§ 51 and 52. Mr. CASSELasked the right hon. Gentleman (1) whether, in view of the fact that deduction of Income Tax will become illegal after the 5th April, he will introduce forthwith a Bill making such deduction at the existing rate legal for a short time, pending the passage of the Finance Bill of the year; and (2) whether he will give the House of Commons an opportunity of discussing the circular to be issued to banks advising them to make illegal deductions of Income Tax, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer undertook to lay upon the Table of the House before it is issued; and whether he will obviate the necessity for issuing such circular by introducing at once and pressing through all its stages a Bill legalising such deductions for a short period pending the passage of the Finance Bill?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer together these questions. The hon. and learned Member will have noticed that a Committee was set up last night for the purpose of passing the Resolution which will be necessary for a Bill of the character indicated in the questions; and it is the Government's intention to proceed as speedily as possible with the Resolution and the Bill to be founded upon it.
§ Mr. CASSELWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether we shall have an opportunity of discussing that Resolution before the circular is issued to the banks announcing to them the intended legislation upon which they are asked to act?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am afraid we shall have to issue the circular. My right hon. Friend tells me that there will be no opportunity for discussion until Monday next, but he proposes to put it down as the first Order. I am afraid we shall have to notify the banks before then, I think it will be the 5th April.
§ Mr. CASSELIn that case, would not this be the result: that the Government would be issuing an invitation to the banks to act contrary to the existing law upon a proposal for future legislation before this House has been given an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe hon. and learned Member is assuming something to be in the circular which is not in it.
§ Mr. CASSELWhen will the right hon. Gentleman lay the circular on the Table?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am afraid I have been otherwise engaged, otherwise I should have laid it on the Table last week. I shall be glad to show it to the hon. and learned Member to-night. I will do my best to lay it to-night.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to pass this Bill through all its stages before the Budget statement?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI think the hon. Member had better ask the Prime Minister that question. It is a question for the Leader of the House.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEI do ask the Prime Minister.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI should like to consider the matter.