§ MR. KENNEDY (Westmeath, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he can state the relative amount of assessments of income tax under Schedule D made in the Athlone district for the years 1897–8, 1898–9, 1899–1900, and 1900–1901, the number of appeals entered for hearing before the Special Commissioners last year, the number in which these Commissioners reduced the assessments; whether he is aware, from letters and other sources of information, that dissatisfaction exists in that district both at the manner in which the assessments were made and 1190 the manner of the Special Commissioners towards the appellants; and, whether he will direct inquiries to be instituted into the matters referred to.
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe amounts of the income tax (Schedule D) assessments made in the Athlone district in the years specified have been:—In 1897–1898, £177,345; in 1898–1899, £186,823; in 1899–1900, £193,930; in 1900–1901, £208,498. The number of appeals entered for hearing by the Special Commissioners last year was 192; and in 81 of these cases the assessment was reduced. The Board of Inland Revenue have seen certain newspaper articles, including those forwarded to me by the hon. Member, criticising the assessments made and the manner in which the appeals were heard; but no representations have been made to them directly which support those criticisms. It is understood that one cause of complaint was the inadequacy of the premises in which the appeals were heard, and it has been arranged that in future the appeals shall be heard in the court house.
§ MR. KENNEDYHas the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry?
§ SIR M. HICKS BEACHYes, and I have given the hon. Member the results of the inquiry.