MR. HARVEY LEWISasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is his intention to propose any alteration in the mode of assessing and collecting the Income Tax, by substituting Excise Officers or other Government officials to perform that duty; and if so, whether he will give the country ample time to consider his plans; and, if his attention has been drawn to a Return made to this House, dated the 13th day of March 1871, by which it appears that the result of the applications made by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for information upon this subject was (as stated in a letter set out in the Return and signed, Fred. B. Garnett, Assistant Secretary),
That not only is the majority of the Commissioners averse to any change, but that the terms in which that adverse opinion is conveyed are so strong and decided as to lead to the conclusion that any measure of the kind would encounter the most vehement opposition in Parliament?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in reply, said, he had no alteration to propose with regard to the collection of income tax. If he should ever have any he would take care that the hon. Member received ample information on the subject. His attention had been called to the letter of Mr. Garnett; but observing that it was dated as far back 246 as 1860, he concluded it would not form a very valuable contribution towards an estimate of what ought to be done in 1872.