§ 35. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of claims still outstanding for the recovery of Excess Profits Duty, and at what figure does he estimate the total sum still to be claimed; and if he will take steps to get these claims settled and cleared up at the earliest possible opportunity, as many business houses are still waiting for these claims to be agreed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)I am unable to furnish the number and estimate 563 asked for in the first part of the question. Every effort is being made to expedite the settlement of outstanding cases, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will let me have particulars of any case in which delay is alleged I shall arrange for inquiry to be made into the circumstances.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs it the fact that a large number of applications have still to be dealt with, and what steps is he going to take to expedite them?
§ Mr. McNEILLIt is quite true that there are a large number of applications, and they are full of complicated details, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every expedition possible is being taken.