HC Deb 17 February 1931 vol 248 cc1062-3
56. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the deficit that he anticipates, he will consider the advisability of bringing the £300,000,000 of annual trade of the co-operative societies within the range of taxation in some form equivalent to that borne by trade in private hands?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

In this case, as in that of all other suggestions for taxation changes, the appropriate opportunity for discussion will arise in the course of the debates on this year's Finance Bill.

Sir B. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any estimate of what revenue he would derive if this sum were brought under taxation?

Mr. SNOWDEN

Those figures have been stated. I think the amount would be about £400,000.

Sir B. PETO

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the figures he referred to are only—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Smithers!

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