§ Lord BALCARRES (for Mr. Norman Craig)asked whether the deduction of Income Tax from dividends by the directors of the Bank of England has been made with the concurrence of the Treasury Commissioners; whether the amounts so deducted have been paid to the Exchequer; and whether such concurrence and payment are based on the assumption that the collection of Income Tax will eventually be legalised?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe answer to the first and third queries is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.
§ Lord BALCARRES (on behalf of the same hon. Member)also asked why the Government, being willing to receive Income Tax collected without objection by the Bank of England by deduction from dividends, will not request and, so far as objection is not offered, receive payment from individual Income Tax-payers?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEPayment of Income Tax assessed on individuals is accepted when tendered at the rate specified in the Resolution of 17th May last. The issue of demand notes is primarily a question for the decision of the local commissioners of taxes, with whose discretion I have no power to interfere.