§ MR. J. G. HUBBARDasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, seeing the urgent necessity for an adjustment of the levy and administration of both Local and Imperial Taxes, with a view to their being brought under a common principle of assessment and a more convenient system of collection, he will consider the expediency of effecting the requisite reform of the Income Tax before its administration be removed from the agencies now employed, and its enforcement, with all its inequalities, be more largely confided to Government officials?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Sir, my promise was given to look carefully into this question. My right hon. Friend has frequently urged a common principle of assessment for Income Tax, under Schedules A and B, and local rates; but he has not as yet secured the approval of Parliament for his plan, and I do not myself see why his advocacy of it should stand in the way of a very necessary reform in the manner of collection under Schedules D and E. I am afraid that I cannot comply with his request.
§ MR. J. G. HUBBARDgave Notice that, in consequence of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, he would take an early opportunity of eliciting the opinion of the House on the subject.