HC Deb 01 June 1937 vol 324 cc857-8
49. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the yield of Income Tax under Schedule D in the latest year for which the figure is available; and what is the estimated yield in the current year?

Sir J. Simon

I regret that I am unable to furnish this information as the accounts dealing with the collection of tax do not distinguish the amounts by reference to the various schedules of charge. My hon. Friend, however, will find in Tables 41, 42 and 49 of the 79th Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Command Paper No. 5297) the latest information available relating to the income assessed under Schedule D.

50. Mr. Crowder

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Income Tax chargeable on property in Ireland is charged and assessed by a poundage rate upon the annual value of all tenements and rateable hereditaments according to the respective surveys and valuations made or to be made and from time to time in force for the purposes of the rates for the relief of the poor in Ireland; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing a similar system for Income Tax assessment under Schedule A in this country in order to avoid the present differentiation between assessments for rates and assessments for Income Tax?

Sir J. Simon

The special provisions of the Income Tax Acts applicable to Northern Ireland provide that the Income Tax annual values of properties in that area are to be ascertained according to their poor rate valuations. I am not prepared to introduce legislation extending this system to other parts of the British Isles.

Mr. Crowder

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider issuing instructions to revenue authorities to co-operate with the rating committees so that they may arrive at the same value for certain property and obviate what is happening where there is one value for Schedule A and one value for rating purposes?

Sir J. Simon

That is a matter which has been discussed in the House but cannot be properly dealt with by question and answer. I would remind the hon. Member that in the Rating and Valuation Bill, 1925, there were proposals with a view to the ultimate assimilation of the two systems and providing for the intervention of a revenue officer in the preparation of the assessment, but these proposals were so strongly opposed that they had to be withdrawn in the Committee stage.