§ Mr. COCHRANEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a letter, Reference No. Kir. 196, was addressed to a gentleman residing in Ayr- 18 shire asking him for information regarding a visitor staying in his house who had claimed Income Tax abatement, and enclosing him all the papers connected with the claim, with full particulars of income from every source; whether the Inland Revenue authorities are in the habit of making public information submitted to them in confidence; and whether he will take steps to prevent such a breach of confidence in the future?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIf the hon. Member will furnish my right hon. Friend with more detailed particulars of the case which he has in mind, he will be happy to make inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. COCHRANEIs it not a fact that this kind of thing is constantly occurring?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo, it is quite an unusual procedure; as far as I know nothing of the sort has ever come under my notice before.