HC Deb 30 April 1925 vol 183 cc318-9
56. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Chancellor the Exchequer what was the volume o' our trade in 1913; the amount of money brought under the review of the Income Tax Commissioners in that year; and the corresponding figures for the years 1924-25?

Mr. GUINNESS

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the Len. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HARDIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the totals?

Mr. GUINNESS

There are a great many figures, and it would take a long time and would exhaust the patience of the House.

Mr. HARDIE

When a question is put asking for totals, why are not these totals given, instead of all this formality of going through a mass of figures which are not asked for? I should like to press for an answer, because it is most important for business, if this House is to be run on business lines.

Mr. GUINNESS

I am sorry if my answer gives more information than is

External Trade of the United Kingdom.
Class of Trade. 1913.* 1924-25† (to 31st March).
As declared. As declared. At average values of 1913.
£000. £000. £000.
Imports 768,735 1,330,068 852,287
Exports (U.K. produce and manufactures) 525,254 810,736 429,295
Re-exports of imported merchandise 109,567 140,825 102,640
*The figures relate to Great Britain and Ireland.
†The figures relate to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The gross income brought under the review of the Inland Revenue Department, and the actual income liable to tax (before deduction of personal allowances, etc.) for the years 1913-14 and 1923-24 are as follows:

— 1913–14. 1923–24. Estimates.
£ £
Gross income brought under review. 1,167,184,229 3,050,000,000
Actual income 951,040,487 2,300,000,000

Actual income means the statutory income of taxpayers, estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts, excluding the income of individuals with a total income not exceeding the exemption limit, namely, £160 in 1913-14 and 2135 of assessable income in 1923-24.

Corresponding figures for 1924-25 are not yet available.