§ Mr. MARKHAMasked what is the approximate total income derived by charities and public institutions during the year 1907 or 1908, and what proportion this income bears to the total receipts of the Income Tax derived from property; and whether returns of income received by these institutions will have to be made for the present financial year?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAs regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend has no information as to the approximate total income of charities and public institutions, but the approximate gross annual value and rents of hereditaments, etc., exempted from Schedule A is 8½ millions. The proportion which this amount bears to the total gross value of all property under Schedule A is as 1 is to 30. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIn view of the statement that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has no information as to the income received for charitable institutions, would he consider the importance of requiring such institutions to make a return of their income in order that we might know how much of the charity goes to the public and how much to officials of the institution?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI do not know that the suggestion made by the hon. Gentleman would bring about the result which he aims at.
§ Mr. MARKHAMDoes not the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider it desirable in the public interest that there should be a return made to Parliament of the income received by these institutions and the sources from which they are derived? Is he aware that continual statements are made which are purely hypothetical?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Member is now asking a question arising out of the last question on the Paper.