HC Deb 07 August 1919 vol 119 cc548-9
73. Mr. JAMESON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the number of Incomes exceeding £100,000 has in creased since the introduction of the Super tax system ten years ago from sixty odd to about 150; whether there has been at the same time an increase, and, if so, how much, in the average amount of such incomes; and how many incomes there are in the country just now in excess of £156,000 per annum?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

For 1909–10 the number of persons charged to Super-tax on incomes of over £100,000 was sixty-five. The figure of 148 shown in Command Paper 224 as the number of persons in receipt of incomes over £100,000 represents the esti- mated number of such persons who should be charged to Super-tax for the year 1919–20 when all assessments for that year have been finally completed. For 1918–19 the assessments are not quite complete, but the number in excess of £100,000 is expected to reach 124. The average amount of such incomes for 1909–10 was £158,900, and for 1918–19 £206,000. The number of incomes of over £156,000 charged to Super tax for 1918–19 up to the present is forty-nine.

Mr. JAMESON

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of getting more money out of these large incomes?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think the position is such that the Chancellor of the Exchequer may well consider every means of getting income and it will be necessary to do so unless the House shows greater keenness for economy.