HC Deb 15 May 1935 vol 301 cc1711-2
56. Mr. NEIL MACLEAN

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the amount paid per head of the population in Imperial Taxation in Ulster and Scotland, respectively?

Mr. COOPER

I regret that no estimate for Scotland is available, and consequently the comparison desired in the question cannot he made.

Mr. MACLEAN

Can the hon. Member say why no estimate can be made with regard to Scotland, since the Treasury get money from Scotland in taxation?

Mr. COOPER

The estimates are not kept separately for the two parts of the Kingdom.

Mr. MACLEAN

If the estimates are not kept separately, how it is that the Government can apply the Goschen formula of 11/80ths in regard to the money that goes to Scotland and what is obtained from Scotland? I should like an answer. Why is it that this information cannot be given? The figures must be in the Treasury, in order that they may impose the terms of the Goschen formula to the payments from and the payments to Scotland?

Mr. COOPER

That formula is generally applied and is a rough test in applying new schemes of taxation to Scotland, but complete returns of all forms of taxation are not kept separately in regard to the two parts of the United Kingdom.

Mr. MACLEAN

Is it not the case that three years ago a statement was made giving the general amount received from Scotland in taxation and the amount received by Scotland? If that could be done when it suited the Government, why can it not be done now?

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is it not a fact that Scotland ought to pay a great deal more than she does?

Mr. MACLEAN

No.