§ 66. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many firms have not paid the Excess Profits Tax for the years 1917, 1918, and 1919, and the total amount still due to the Treasury in each of these years?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo detailed analysis has been prepared of the arrears of Excess Profits Duty outstanding for the three years mentioned, nor of the number of taxpayers in arrear; and, in view of the time and labour involved, I cannot under- 570 take to authorise the preparation of this information.
§ 67. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the names of those firms in Sheffield who made excess profits in the year 1917 and who have not as yet paid this tax; and are there any firms in the city named with whom the Treasury have not yet agreed the figures that should be paid in excess profits for 1917?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Commissioners of Inland Revenue are precluded by Statute from disclosing information relating to the liability to Excess Profits Duty of individual taxpayers. As regards the second part of the question, it may be the case that the liability of some taxpayers for the year 1917 has not for various reasons yet been finally settled. It is the practice of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue in such cases to require substantial payments of duty on account where it is evident that liability will arise.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. Member wants figures he must give me-notice of a question in precise form.
69. Mr. TERRELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether numerous suggestions by officials and other persons for deriving a comparable revenue from approximately the same sources as Excess Profits Duty, which are not open to the objections felt to that tax, have been made to him or have come to his knowledge; and whether he will publish these suggestions, in order that the House of Commons may form an opinion as to their merits?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINOnly two suggestions of the kind indicated have reached me, the one for a flat rate tax on profits, the other for a graduated tax on profits in excess of a tax-free minimum. How far either of these suggestions is free from the objections felt to the Excess Profits Duty is a matter which cannot be discussed within the limits of an-answer to a question.
Mr. TERRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman allow these two suggestions to 571 be circulated so that Members may have the opportunity of considering them?
Mr. TERRELLMy right hon. Friend says he has received these suggestions. Would he give directions to have them circulated?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received these suggestions, and I have informed the House of them. There is nothing more to be done except to consider them.