HC Deb 28 June 1922 vol 155 cc2241-2 The provisions of Sub-section (1) and of paragraphs (a) and (c) of Sub-section (2) of Section one hundred and fifty-seven of the Income Tax Act, 1918 (which relates to the (late when the payment of Income Tax shall become due, and provides for the payment of Income Tax by instalments in certain cases) shall apply to the case of Super-tax charged under Part II of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as they apply to the cases mentioned in paragraph (b) of Sub-section (2) of that Section, and the provisions of the income Tax Act, 1918, applied for the purposes of the collection and recovery of Supertax by Sub-section (6) of Section seven of that Act shall be read and construed with the necessary modifications accordingly.—[Mr. Lane-Fox.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Mr. LANE-FOX

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."

I desire to make the arrangements for the payment of Super-tax the same as in the case of Income Tax. It is obvious that in these days the Government are having difficulty in collecting Super-tax at all. A system of payment by instalments would be far better, because owing to the present high rate it is impossible to pay it in one instalment.

Sir L. SCOTT

Again I regret to say it is impossible to accept this Amendment. To accept it would mean a loss of £14,000,000 out of this year's revenue. The proposal is to change the date of payment from 1st January, which falls within the year, and substitute for that one-half payment on that date and a half payment in the following July, three months after the end of the financial year. That would mean a postponement of payment and a loss to the revenue of £14,000,000 in the financial year for which the Chancellor has budgeted.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

Of my own knowledge private individuals have found with reference to the payment of Super-tax and indeed in reference to Income Tax that the representatives of the Treasury have been most considerate. I would like to know whether the uncompromising "No" of the Solicitor-General means that there is to be no relaxation in the coming year of that consideration which has been shown but that the broad spirit with which the matter has been dealt with will be continued and that there is to be no harsh treatment of individuals.

Sir L. SCOTT

I merely meant what I said. The present practice will be continued.

Question, "That the Clause be read a. Second time," put, and negatived.