HC Deb 27 July 1911 vol 28 cc1823-4
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. J. Woodward, of Penketh, Warrington, who was distrained upon for Income Tax for the year 1909–10 merely because, not having received any notice to that effect, he did not appeal in time against his assessment; whether he is aware that Mr. Woodward then protested, and has since proved to the satisfaction of the District Commissioners of Taxes, that having an income of only £89 7s. 9d. he was in no way liable to pay Income Tax; and whether, in view of these facts, and seeing that working men who are unable to afford legal advice are entirely at the mercy of the Govern- ment in such matters, he will direct that the money taken from Mr. Woodward should be repaid to him?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend's attention was drawn to this case by the Noble Lord on the 17th instant, and I have nothing to add to the answer which was then given.

Viscount WOLMER

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I have said I have nothing to add to the answer previously given, which, I think, covered that point.

Viscount WOLMER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the previous question had nothing whatever to do with that point?