HC Deb 23 February 1932 vol 262 cc211-2
52. Mr. JOHN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction prevailing in Wales because of the printing of the Income Tax and assessment forms in the English language; and whether, in view of the difficulty entailed to numbers of Welshmen, he will consider the question of issuing these forms in the Welsh language?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no reason to suppose that any difficulties which may exist are sufficient to justify the expenditure which would be involved in giving effect to this suggestion.

Mr. JOHN

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that inasmuch as Welsh people have to bear an equal responsibility with English people as regards the filling up of these Income Tax forms, they are entitled to equal privileges and equal rights; and are they not entitled to have these forms presented in a manner which they can understand?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. Member's question seems to be founded on the assumption that a large number of Welsh Income Tax payers are unable to read English, and it seems to me that that suggestion has no solid foundation.

Mr. JOHN

Is it not the case that a large number of Welsh people are unable to follow these demands on the assessment forms, and that consequently they are very frequently paying more than their proper obligations to the State?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

It is not only Welsh people who are sometimes unable to follow the forms issued in connection with Income Tax, or who think that they pay more than they ought to pay.

56. Mr. JOHN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, whether, in view of the difficulties of the Welsh farmer to understand the forms claiming exemption from dog licence, he will consider issuing these forms in the farmers' native language?

Major ELLIOT

The dog licence duty in Wales is not an Imperial but a local taxation licence duty, and it is administered by the county and county borough councils. I have not received any representation from those authorities as to any difficulty experienced by Welsh farmers in claiming exemption. I may add that the necessary instructions for claiming exemption are contained in a public notice which is exhibited in post offices and elsewhere, and which is already issued in Welsh as well as in English.