§ 3. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of companies had not returned to the Inland Revenue by 5th May the form P.11.D, relating to company directors' and company executives' expenses for 1962–63; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BarberI am afraid that this information is not available; and I do not think that a special inquiry to obtain it could be justified.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsIs my hon. Friend aware of the great difficulty which small firms have in getting this information as quickly as 5th May each year? Would he look at the possibility of having this form left over until the auditors have prepared the annual accounts and have it done at that stage?
§ Mr. BarberI will consider any representations on this matter, but I think that the present arrangements will prove to be reasonable, although there may have been some difficulty on the first occasion when the form has had to be completed. As I think my hon. Friend will know, the Inland Revenue has been very reasonable about those people who provided good reasons for not being able to fill in the form in the time stipulated, but certainly we will keep this matter in mind.
§ Mr. ChannonDoes my hon. Friend think it right that company secretaries should be the only people authorised to complete this form and that they should be involved? Would it not be fairer for some other person to do it?
§ Mr. BarberI would have thought that company secretaries were the appropriate people to do the work, but if my hon. Friend has any suggestion and will write to me, I will certainly consider it.