HC Deb 03 March 1931 vol 249 cc194-5
46. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has information of companies with headquarters formerly in Great Britain having been transferred abroad; and, if so, what is the amount of capital involved?

45. Captain WATERHOUSE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many overseas trading companies, previously registered in this country, have dropped their registration here and become registered abroad during the current financial year; the amount of capital involved; and the estimated consequent loss to the revenue?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The statistics collected under the Companies Acts give no information as to changes of registration of companies or the trans- fer of headquarter offices. I may point out that a company, wherever registered, is liable to Income Tax on all its profits if its business is controlled in this country, and where the control is abroad, the Revenue receives tax on such part of the income of the company as arises to residents in this country.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the question as to whether he has information of companies with headquarters formerly in Great Britain being transferred abroad?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

I have said that I have no information as to changes of that kind.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Is it not important, when the hon. Gentleman is considering taxation, to have an idea of the movement of companies abroad?