HC Deb 21 January 1913 vol 47 cc206-8
36. Mr. GRETTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the view of the statement made on the 27th November last that, so far as then ascertained, the total costs incurred in the case of Bowles v. the Bank of England were £838 9s. 5d., and the statement made on the 14th January that the total amount of costs incurred by the Crown, including those incurred by the Bank of England will amount approximately to £572, exclusive of Mr. Bowles's costs, he will say which of these two sums or whether either of them represents the fact; and do His Majesty's Government propose to pay the costs of the Bank of England and also those of Mr. Bowles as between solicitor and client?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The estimate which I gave on the 14th instant differed from that given on the 27th November last, mainly because on the earlier occasion an estimate of Mr. Bowles' costs was included, the question having been so worded as to require this estimate. I am still unable to give the total costs actually incurred. Those of the Bank of England have been paid by the Crown, and amounted to £258 5s. 4d. It is presumed that an account of those incurred by Mr. Bowles will be received in due course, and will be taxed in the usual way.

45. Mr. GRETTON

asked the Prime Minister, having regard to the judgment of the High Court in Bowles v. The Bank of England that the levy of Income Tax before the passing of the Act of Parliament imposing that tax is unlawful, do His Majesty's Government intend this year to introduce the Bill imposing that tax at such an early period as will ensure its passing by 5th April, 1913, when, except as to arrears and returns, the present Act and the present tax expire?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I can at present add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for West St. Pancras on 6th November last.

Mr. GRETTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the Act imposing the Income Tax was passed by Sir Robert Peel on the 5th April, 1845; by Lord Palmerston on 3rd April, 1860; and by Mr. Gladstone on 24th March, 1880?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question down so that I may be able to understand it.