§ 58. Sir CHARLES OMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that inquisitorial demands for details concerning items in Income Tax returns are being sent not merely to persons who might be regarded as exceptional cases or where fraud might be reasonably suspected, but to ladies and private persons indiscriminately; and whether he will cause such inquiries to be restricted to cases where there is prima facie reason for inquiry?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLInquiries made in the course of the examination of Income Tax returns are restricted to matters which are strictly relevant to the determination of the liability in each particular case. If my hon. Friend has in mind any case in which he thinks this rule has not been observed, and will give me particulars, I will cause inquiry to be made and will communicate the result to him in due course.
§ Sir C. OMANWould the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to hear that I have lately had brought to my notice by constituents one case where a long series of interrogatories was sent to a deserted wife concerning the doings of her absconding and adulterous husband, and another case of a taxpayer of over 80 who was asked to give returns of all investments, though her returns have never been quarrelled with over all the years she has been sending them in?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should be surprised at nothing, but I would examine everything.