61. Sir F. HALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the position of the Government with regard to the proposal to transfer the control of the collectors of Income Tax from the local commissioners to the Board of Inland Revenue; and whether the House will have an opportunity of discussing the matter before a decision is arrived at?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCESuch a transfer as that to which the hon. Member refers would in any case require to be preceded by legislation.
Sir F. HALLMay I take it from the hon. Gentleman's answer that there is no intention of transferring these collectors to the Inland Revenue authorities at Somerset House?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI think that the hon. and gallant Member had better take the answer as I have given it.
Sir F. HALLHaving listened very carefully to the answer, I should be glad if the hon. Gentleman would kindly answer my question, "Yes" or "No."
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThat is a matter for my right hon. Friend to consider.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThere is no decision on the point, and before it could be done legislation would have to be introduced.
Sir F. HALLOwing to the importance of this matter from the point of view of the protection of the taxpayer, will the hon. Gentleman take great care to see that no decision is arrived at before the matter has been before this House and discussed in this House?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEI have already explained that it could only be done as a matter of legislation, and, therefore, the House must have an opportunity of discussing it.