56. Major NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that large numbers of those engaged in the coal-mining industry are offering an organised resistance to the payment of Income Tax; and will he say what special measures the Inland Revenue authorities are taking to deal with the situation?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.
Major NEWMANHas the right hon. Gentleman made any inquiries through his collectors or the revenue authorities?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir.
61. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYasked whether on the Committee stage of the Finance Bill he can see his way to moving an Amendment to Clause 16 to enable officers demobilised prior to the introduction of the Finance Bill, and from whose gratuities Income Tax has been deducted by their Army agents, to obtain direct repayment of the same through their agents?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe actual arrangements for repaying Income Tax on gratuities under Clause 16 of the Finance Bill will not require legislation. They arc at present under consideration, and I hope that it will be possible to make an announcement shortly.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIn order to remove inequality of treatment in this case, will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Government should pay interest on the amount deducted up to the date upon which repayment is made?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir; I am not prepared to do that.