§ 116. Captain BOWYERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will give figures to show whether the annual trade done by the co-operative society movement pays its proportionate share of taxation towards the revenue of the country as compared with the annual trade done by private enterprise; and can he give the approximate amounts in both cases which have been contributed in the last financial year?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Home)Comparative statistics of the nature suggested are not available. I would, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the Income Tax position of co-operative societies was very fully investigated by the Royal Commission on the Income Tax and the facts are fully set out in Part XII of their Report.
§ Captain BOWYERMay we take it that the co-operative movement does pay a 864 fair share towards the taxation of the country?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy hon. and gallant Friend will remember the discussion which took place in this House in the course of the last Finance Bill which must be in the minds of every hon. Member. I can add nothing to that.
Sir F. HALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the recommendations of the Royal Commission have been carried out in regard to co-operative societies?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt will be remembered that we discussed that very matter in connection with the Finance Bill, and a certain view was taken by the House. I can say nothing further.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable to re-open the question, with a view to seeing whether co-operative societies should pay additional taxation?
§ Sir R. HORNEI do not see any good ground for re-opening the question at the present time.