54. Mr. BECKERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Income Tax authorities are collecting moneys due to the Imperial Exchequer which were owing prior to the Irish Free State Government assuming control?
§ Captain KINGIncome Tax leviable in the Irish Free State (including arrears) is collected by the revenue authorities of the Free State and paid into the Free State Exchequer.
Mr. BECKERWhat authority has the Free State Government to collect that money, which is really due to the British Exchequer?
§ Captain KINGI understand that the custom in collecting Income Tax is that arrears come into the following year, and, therefore, the Irish Free State is collecting the arrears.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether there is any statutory authority, either here or in the Irish Free State, for this practice?
§ Captain KINGI would ask the hon. Member to put another question down as to that.
§ Mr. EDMUND TURTONIs it not a fact that no arrears of Income Tax of any sort are being collected in Ireland, because everyone is refusing to pay Income Tax?