§ 46. Captain DOWERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what statutory authority the Board of Inland Revenue are acting when in the cases of assessment of premises subject to void periods they calculate the gross assessment on the lower rent obtained, and thus reduce the allowance for repairs fixed by quinquennial assessment, although no change has actually taken place in the rental value?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe provision under which relief in respect of unoccupied houses is given is Rule 4 of No. VII of Schedule A of the Income Tax Act, 1918. If, however, my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the allowance for void periods in the case of houses let in apartments or tenements the statutory authority will be found in Section 21 of the Finance Act, 1930.
§ Captain DOWERIs my right hon. Friend aware that in nearly every case of apartments and tenements no repair 757 allowance is granted for the void periods; that it costs even more to maintain a house that is empty than one that is occupied; and is he satisfied with leaving the discretionary powers under that Section to the Inland Revenue officers?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. and gallant Friend asked what statutory authority there was for the action taken, and I think I have answered that question.