HC Deb 30 June 1914 vol 64 cc203-4
50. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Prime Minister whether he will in future appoint as Special Commissioners of Income Tax persons other than surveyors of taxes or other persons who have been in the service of the Crown?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

My right hon. Friend sees no reason to depart from the present policy under which some of these appointments are filled from persons who have previously been in the service of the Crown and some from persons who have not.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that one can get an impartial tribunal when that tribunal is composed of Government officials?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think it is a very extraordinary doctrine to assume that Government officials cannot be impartial.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Are they not more likely to take the part of the Crown in any dispute between the Crown and a private subject?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think so. I think that they act very judicially and impartially.