§ 98. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons were assessed for Super-tax for the last year for which the figures are available: and how many of these had made a complete return of income for Income Tax purposes during the previous year?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)The total number of individuals assessed to Super-tax for the year 1923–24 is 89,019. As assessments to Super-tax can be made at any time within six years from the year of assessment, this number may be subject to increase. The information asked in the second part of the question is not available, but I should point out that it is not the practice in connection with any relief from Income Tax dependent upon the amount of total income to require a person who has 980 already made a return of total income for the purposes of the Super-tax to make a similar return for the purposes of Income Tax.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that persons who have already made complete returns for Income Tax are required a year later to make the same returns for Super-tax, and the result is a. great deal of wasted time in several Departments and a lot of people employed doing useless work?
§ EX GRETIA CONTRIBUTIONS TO EXCHEQUER.
§ 99. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish a list of those who have made ex gratia contributions of more than £5,000 to the Treasury in the last five years?
§ Mr. McNEILLIn a great many cases these gifts are anonymous; in other cases the donors particularly request that their names shall not be disclosed. In these circumstances it would not appear to be practicable or desirable to publish such a list as that which the hon. Member suggests.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is considering any specific plans for encouraging these public benefactors?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, Sir.