§ 64. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of establishing the principle that, so long as excess profits duty is collected, taxpayers shall be entitled to recover duty 33 paid in error, and also to put forward applications for reduction in outstanding claims where such claims can be shown to be excessive?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLAs my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the Finance Bill of this year contains a provision for terminating the right both of the taxpayer and the revenue authority to reopen computations of Excess Profits Duty liability. I am unable to accept the suggestion now made which, while operating solely for the benefit of the taxpayer, would delay for an indefinite period the closing down of the duty.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKShould not the right of appeal be extended so long as the tax was being collected?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat would not follow at all. After the question of liability is settled, it may take some time to make the collection.