§ CAPTAIN NORTONI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether 1325 he is aware that certain public companies have been pressed by the local surveyors, by special official from Somerset House, and also by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, to disclose the amounts paid to their employees; where this information has been refused the returns of the employees have been surcharged and certificates demanded from the companies as to the amounts paid to the employees; and whether, seeing that people in business on their own account are their own assessors, he will give instructions to discontinue the portion of the Return relating to amount of incomes.
§ *THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonMy attention has not been called to any case of the kind described. But, if the hon. and gallant Member will supply particulars of any cases that have been brought to his notice, I will cause inquiry to be made. To discontinue the portion of the Return relating to amount of income would cause, I believe, much inconvenience, not only to the Department, but also to the public.
§ CAPTAIN NORTONI will supply the right hon. Gentleman with the particulars of several cases. Meanwhile, will he not suppress that portion of the Return which has no statutory authority?
§ *MR. RITCHIEI have said that that would cause great inconvenience, but if the cases of which the hon. Member promises particulars show hardship ans just cause of complaint, I will reconsider that portion of the Return; but until I receive the particulars I can give no promise.