HC Deb 01 March 1904 vol 130 cc1360-1
MR. HERBERT SAMUEL

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to arrange for the appointment of the Select Committee of this House, contemplated by his predecessor, to inquire into matters connected with the incidence and collection of the income-tax; and, if so, whether the reference to such Committee would include an inquiry into the practicability of a further graduation of the income-tax above the present limit of £700.

MAJOR EVANS-GORDON (Tower Hamlets, Stepney)

At the same time may I ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to act upon the suggestion made by his predecessor, and institute an inquiry into the method of assessing and collecting the income-tax, with a view to prevent evasion, which it is believed takes place under the existing system.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

I am considering the advisability of appointing a Departmental Committee to inquire into the question of evasion and certain other matters connected with the income-tax, but I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement on the subject. The subject of graduation would not be included in the scope of the inquiry which I contemplate.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Will it be a Select Committee of this House?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

No, it will be Departmental, though not necessarily composed wholly of Departmental officials.