HC Deb 24 June 1918 vol 107 cc693-4
13. Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers of the Indian Army are exempt from the payment of Income Tax on War Loan subscribed to by them because they are regarded as not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, but if an officer is taken prisoner then the payment of Income Tax is insisted upon as they are said to cease not to be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom; and, if so, will be put a stop to this treatment of prisoners while in captivity?

Mr. MONTAGU

As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend on 19th June, questions concerning Income Tax should be addressed to the Treasury.

Colonel YATE

Is it not the duty of the Secretary of State for India to safeguard the interests of their officers in His Majesty's Forces?

Mr. MONTAGU

I certainly can and will make representations to the Treasury in the interests of Indian soldiers, but the enforcement and the interpretation of the Income Tax laws is not in my hands at all, but those of the Treasury.

Colonel YATE

Is it just that a man taken prisoner at Kut-el-Amara should be charged extra Income Tax?