HC Deb 08 April 1919 vol 114 cc1850-1
57. Mr. DENNIS HERBERT

asked whether, in the constitution of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, any principle has been followed of giving representation on the Commission to bodies or classes of persons specially interested; if so, what interests Mr. Henry J. May represents; and whether any, or what, members of the Commission represent the interests of traders or of the Associated-Chambers of Commerce?

58. Lieutenant-Colonel ROYDS

asked whether there are any members on the Royal Commission on Income Tax representing trading associations; and, if not, whether he will add them?

59. Sir WILLIAM SEAGER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among retail traders at the composition of the Royal Commission on Income Tax, which includes representatives of the co-operative societies, but no representatives of the retail traders; and will he consider their claims for representation?

60. Colonel BURN

asked why a representative of the co-operative societies has teen appointed a member of the Income Tax Commission, in view of his statement that no trading association would be represented; and will he appoint a member of the Grocers' and Provision Dealers' Association to the Commission, in order that their interests may be safeguarded?

63. Mr. TICKLER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will grant the traders of the country the same privilege to be represented on the Commission appointed to inquire into the working of the Income Tax as he has granted to the co-operative traders?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There has evidently been a misunderstanding. No promise of the kind suggested in some of the questions was made by me, and it is obviously undesirable to increase the already large number of Commissioners, but in view of the widespread desire among Members that a representative of retail traders should be included in the Commission, I propose to make a submission to His Majesty to that effect.

I venture to ask that hon. Members who have written to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary and myself on this subject will be good enough to accept this reply as an answer to their letters.