HC Deb 01 May 1928 vol 216 cc1518-9
49. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Super-tax due to be paid, but not paid, on the 1st April, 1928?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It is estimated that the total amount of Super-tax due but not paid at the 1st April, 1928, was about £14,500,000. The corresponding figure on 1st April, 1927, was £19,500,000.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer taking any steps Lo induce these wealthy taxpayers to pay their debts to the Exchequer, or is he going to continue to treat them with the greatest possible indulgence?

Mr. CHURCHILL

We are not often accused of that. Every step likely to be productive, which is within the power of the Board of Inland Revenue, is, and will be, continually employed.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if it is an ordinary workman who does not pay his Income Tax, he is taken to Court? Why should not these gentlemen be taken to Court?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think our methods of collecting the immense amount of direct taxation on these very high, graduated scales, are the admiration of all other countries, and the results are certainly much better than the results achieved anywhere else. I am not at all sure that the drumhead Court-martial which my hon. Friend suggests would actually be as fruitful in the results as the present system.

Sir R. THOMAS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the wealthy taxpayer is usually a man with a big bank overdraft?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am very glad to have the Liberal view.