§ MR. W. T. WILSONTo ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, although he has intimated to surveyors of taxes that in all cases where the omission of bonuses from income-tax Returns have been made under the bona fide belief that they were exempt, and that no demand was to be made for back tax, and if any had been received it must be returned, some surveyors of taxes are demanding the back tax and compelling its payment; and whether he will, under the circumstances, again communicate with the Inland Revenue authorities with the object of securing equitable treatment to all those who were bona fide of the opinion that a bonus on wages was exempt from the tax.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) The instruction given to the surveyors of taxes in this matter have, so far as the Board of Inland Revenue are aware, been strictly adhered to. But, if the hon. Member has any particular case in 1555 mind and will furnish me with details, inquiry shall be made.