§ 37. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the amounts for the past three years arising from the defalcations of Income Tax collectors; and whether he proposes 279 to take steps to bring in some legislation to put into force the recommendations made by the Royal Commission in 1919 respecting this matter?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSubject to the completion of investigations, the amounts are as follow:
With regard to the second part of the question, my hon. and gallant Friend will perhaps not ask me more at the moment than to say that the whole position, including the recent Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, is receiving my consideration.
£ 1924 … … … 17,090 1925 … … … 24,115 1926 … … … 8,200
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that some of these defalcations could be avoided if taxpayers were required to make out their cheques to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, instead of by name to the collector of taxes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAny suggestion will be considered, but I think that these figures, considering the enormous volume of money dealt with, clearly show the very high standard that is observed by the officials connected with the tax offices.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the suggestion of the hon. Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) is already carried out?