§ 97. Mr. FELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with what object the forms relating to Income Tax have recently been sent to Members of the House of Commons by the Paymaster-General; if any change is contemplated in the method of calculating the Income Tax to be deducted; if a deduction is to be allowed for travelling or other expenses as was done last year; and if the Income Tax Commissioners decide these questions or the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe forms have been sent with the usual object of affording an opportunity for claims to be made on account of earned income or for any of the various allowances therein referred to. No change is contemplated in the method of calculating the Income Tax to 1792 be deducted, nor in respect of the deduction allowed for travelling and other expenses, but this latter point is under the consideration of the Public Accounts Committee. The assessments are made by the Income Tax Commissioners for the Department of the Paymaster-General.
§ Mr. CASSELDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that there is no change, notwithstanding the fact that the Controller and Auditor-General calls in question the legality of this allowance of £100?
§ Mr. MASTERMANWe are waiting for the Report of the Public Accounts Committee which represents the House of Commons in this matter.
§ Mr. FELLWhy did the Paymaster-General send out these forms and not the Commissioners of Inland Revenue in the usual way?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI would like to have notice of that.