HC Deb 10 April 1919 vol 114 c2217
65. Sir OWEN PHILIPPS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Grocers' Federation is reported to have been refused representation upon the Income Tax Commission on the ground that co-operative societies and trading bodies were not being allowed representation on the Commission; and whether, seeing that the co-operative societies have a representative on the Commission, as he announced on 27th March last, he will favourably consider granting representation to the Grocers' Federation, the Associated Chamber of Commerce, or the National Chamber of Trade?

67. Mr. MACMASTER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made sufficient provision for the representation of chambers of commerce on the Commission of Inquiry into the Income Tax; and whether, as a matter of fact, the small or individual trader is unrepresented while co-operative societies have secured representation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply which I gave to similar questions on Tuesday last.

66. Mr. MACMASTER

asked upon what basis he estimates that the Income Tax on the joint incomes of married people will or may increase from £20,000,000 to £50,000,000; and if that estimate is based upon the prospective increase of marriages or upon the prospective increase in the rate of taxation?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The difference in the figures is accounted for by the fact that in the majority of cases the incomes of husband and wife are not at present distributed between them in such a way as to secure the maximum relief which separate assessment would render possible.