§ 53. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Chairman of the Income Tax Commissioners stated before the Committee on Taxation of War Wealth that one man during the War had increased his capital of £1,000,000 six times and over; another had £3,000,000, and now has five or six times that again; an alien who had £10,000 now has £500,000; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The statement to which he refers was not made by Lord Colwyn before the Select Committee on Increases of War Wealth, but in the course of a speech which he recently made in a private capacity, at a general meeting of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
§ Mr. THORNEAre the facts as stated in the question correct?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot say. Lord Colwyn's speech, as I say, was made in his private capacity before the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. He said he could not vouch for the facts themselves, but he gave them on high authority. If they are true, or in so far as they are true, I suppose we shall all feel that such greatly increased wealth is a proper subject for taxation. Whether and how such taxation can be levied is the subject-matter—and the very big subject-matter—which is now engaging the attention of a Select Committee of this House.
§ Mr. THORNEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries with a view to discovering whether what is stated in the question is correct or otherwise?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot. I have no such inquisitorial powers as will enable mo to ascertain the facts in a case like this. Lord Colwyn obtained the information 1802 privately from a source in which he has confidence. He himself is unable to vouch for the facts, and, therefore, would not, I imagine, be in a position to give me the names of the people who are alleged to have this increase of wealth.
Mr. J. JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us when Members and supporters of the Government are telling the truth?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not understand the hon. Member's very offensive innuendo. All Members of the Government attempt to treat the House with courtesy, but it is difficult to do so if hon. Members make such suggestions.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLIs not this information as regards Income Tax supposed to be confidential, especially when specific instances like this are given, and should not there be greater care in allowing such information to be had?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINAll information as to the incomes of individuals, referred to in the course of the Income Tax investigations, is confidential, and revealed only to people who are sworn to secrecy. It is not revealed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself. I could not obtain it if I asked the Inland Revenue authorities.
§ Sir M. DOCKRELLThese cases, being as they are so specific, and such large amounts being easily tracked—there are not many three to six million people in this country—may I ask whether there should not be greater care oven in giving the particulars in this indefinite way?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis information was not obtained from Government sources, or from the Income Tax authorities. It was obtained by Lord Colwyn in his private capacity, not as Chairman of the Royal Commission of Income Tax; but from—
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe person or persons concerned. I really do not know the exact circumstances.
§ Mr. HOUSTONHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to whether Lord Colwyn made this speech before or after dinner?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am informed that Lord Colwyn is a teetotaler, A moment ago I had occasion to make a protest against treating Ministers with discourtesy. I venture to make a protest, of at least equal warmth, against the gross discourtesy of the unkind suggestion of the hon. Gentleman who has just referred to the Chairman of the Royal Commission. Lord Colwyn has done most valuable public work.