§ Mr. J. G. BUTCHERasked whether, in view of the fact that large sums, amounting to some millions of money, are in the hands of companies throughout the country in respect of deducted Income Tax, the Government have considered the possibility of some of these companies going into liquidation before these sums are paid into the Exchequer; and whether, in view of such a possibility, the Government will reconsider their decision to delay the legalisation of the collection of Income Tax, and will take immediate steps to legalise such collection?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe Government see no grounds for reconsidering their decision in this matter, but I may remind the hon. Member that in the somewhat remote contingency of such companies going into liquidation in the course of the next few weeks, the Crown will, in the case of liquidations subsequent to 5th April next, be entitled to preferential treatment in respect of the tax assessed for the financial year, 1909–10.