HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1900-1
58. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the different women's organisations throughout the country will be allowed to choose their representatives to sit on the Royal Commission on Income Tax?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I regret that I have not found it practicable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Why has there been so much delay in the appointment of this Royal Commission?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It takes some time to set up a Commission of this kind and to inquire of the various gentlemen whom you wish to serve upon it. You cannot always be certain that you will get a favourable reply. Then you have to make a fresh choice and a fresh invitation. Necessarily a good deal of time is involved. But the Commission is complete now except in one respect, in regard to which I am in consultation with one of my colleagues, and I hope to be able to announce it very shortly.

Mr. MACMASTER

Will my right hon. Friend see that in the constitution of that Commission due representation is given to married women?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have asked a lady to allow herself to be nominated.

Mr. MACMASTER

Only one lady?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes.

Mr. WATERSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the representation of nearly 5,000,000 people who are consumers in this country in the co-operative societies?

Mr. SPEAKER

This relates to women.