76. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a number of Income Tax payers, either through ignorance or in consequence of the complicated nature of the formalities to be carried out, do not claim the Income Tax refunds to which they are entitled; and whether he will consider taking steps to simplify the necessary procedure by including with every Income Tax form sent out a reminder as to how and on what grounds refunds of Income Tax may be reclaimed?
§ Major ELLIOTI cannot agree that the position is as suggested in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. In reply to the second part I would point out that information such as he has in mind is issued with every kind of Income Tax form to which it is relevant. Furthermore, Inspectors of Taxes are definitely instructed to offer repayment, without waiting for a specific request by the taxpayer, where the particulars available make it clear that a repayment is due.
§ Major ELLIOTI must have notice of that question.