HC Deb 10 June 1937 vol 324 cc1959-60
60. Mr. Hall-Caine

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the desirability that there should be the fullest consultation with British industrial interests before the details of the new tax to substitute the National Defence Contribution are announced, and of the fact that it will not be necessary for this tax to produce anything but a negligible revenue during the current year, he will consider the desirability of postponing its introduction altogether until the Budget of 1938?

Sir J. Simon

No, Sir. The consultations which I am having with representatives of industry will not necessitate any postponement of my proposals. The Prime Minister has already stated that I hope to be able to table the necessary Resolution next week.

Schedule B Assessment, and the number of claims of both classes was 21,500 for the year 1932–33, 22,000 for the year 1933–34, 20,100 for the year 1934–35 and 18,200 for the year 1935–36. Figures for 1936–37 are not yet available.

71. Mr. Keeling

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what total sum has been allowed in discounts on payment of Income Tax in advance during the last five years; and whether he can estimate what further sum would have been payable during that period but for the statutory rule that application for the discount must be made at the time of payment?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

As the answer to the first part of the question involves a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. With regard to the second part, I regret that I have no information.

Following is the answer:

The total amount of discount allowed during the past five years was £196,933, made up as follows: