HC Deb 12 March 1931 vol 249 c1380
71. Sir F. HALL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have yet reached a decision regarding the proposed transfer of the control of the collectors of Income Tax from the local commissioners to the Board of Inland Revenue?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

My right hon. Friend is not in a position at the present time to anticipate his Budget statement in this or any other respect.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that we are not asking for an anticipation of the Budget statement; and will the hon. Gentleman say "Yes" or "No" to the question as to whether the Government have decided to make this alteration and to bring these collectors immediately under the Inland Revenue office?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The answer to that question is that the Government have not yet come to a decision on the matter.

Sir F. HALL

Is there not a suspicion of the Government doing that? [Laughter.] Hon. Members opposite do not understand, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman recognises the fact that this is a very important point as to whether there is going to be this liaison, between the taxpayer and the Government service.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

The fact that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has a suspicion apparently answers that question in the affirmative.