§ 49. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the British community at Shanghai offered, either during or immediately after the War, to pay Income Tax and Super-tax; and why that offer was refused by the Treasury?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLSuggestions regarding the collection of Income Tax were made by certain associations of British subjects in China during the War, but 2188 were not pursued in view of the difficult constitutional issues which they involved. The patriotism which inspired the offers is indisputable.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman make application to these patriots in Shanghai for some contribution towards the cost of our Defence Force?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir, certainly not at the moment when they are suffering more anxieties than any other class of British subjects.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes the offer include the payment of Excess Profits Duty?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think the offer was made before that impost was devised.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it the case that firms out there were, paying no Excess Profits Duty, while competing firms registered in this country were paying it?
Captain CROOKSHANKIn view of the statement which he has just made, does not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has come when the very unworthy taunts levelled at this community by the Socialist party should cease?