§ Major BOWDENIn the absence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I would ask the hon. Member has he received information that four Derbyshire miners were taken to Derby Gaol for the non-payment of claims for Income Tax? Is he aware that these men, probably owing to the fact that they did not understand the complicated forms which have to be filled in were assessed as stallholders and con- 1240 tractors at the full amount paid them by the proprietors of the collieries, no allowance being made by the Commissioners for wages paid to assistants and other expenses connected with their work? Will he have full inquiry made into the matter without delay? Meanwhile, will he cause such action to be taken that the men may be released from prison, if that has not been already done, and relieved of those unfair claims?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe hon. Member's notice only reached me as I came into the House. I telephoned to the Inland Revenue at once. They knew nothing of the matter at the moment. Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member later in the day.