HC Deb 11 May 1914 vol 62 cc701-2
92. Mr. CHANCELLOR

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the revenues from the invested funds of insurance companies are exempt from Income Tax, either on property under Schedule A or on interest and dividends under Schedules C and D; and, if so, whether he will consider favourably, as a means of reducing the heavy burdens on other taxpayers, the bringing under contribution of the incomes of insurance companies?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No distinction as regards Income Tax is made between the investments of insurance companies and those of other companies or persons; the second part of the question does not therefore arise.

103. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

asked whether a person having an income of £200 a year and four children or more will receive, under the new Budget propositions, a rebate of £1 10s.; and whether a person with £300 a year and four children will receive a reduction of £3?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

In the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the hon. Member's question, no tax at all would be payable, seeing that the abatements exceed the total income; while in the second case, apart from the ordinary abatement of £160, the taxpayer would be entitled to relief from tax in respect of his four children to an amount equal to the tax on £80.

Mr. F. HALL

As the Government have admitted that a man with £300 salary should get a rebate of £3, will they consider the question of taking steps to see that the man with £200 salary shall get the same amount of relief?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I do not think that I can recognise minus values.

Mr. F. HALL

Can any steps be taken in order that the man may get that relief?

95. Mr. LEACH

asked to what extent the following classes will benefit by the proposals of the Budget: tenant farmers, smallholders, agricultural labourers, and shop-keepers in agricultural districts?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The circumstances differ so greatly in individual cases that it is not practicable to furnish such an estimate.

105. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked what was the gross assessment to incomes for the financial year 1903–4 and for the financial year 1913–14?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The gross income brought under review for Income Tax purposes was £902,758,585 for 1903–4 and approximately £1,150,000,000 for 1913–14.