§ 41. Mr. Toucheasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate of the number of companies and firms whose accounts may be affected by the National Defence Contribution, and of the average cost likely to be incurred by such companies and firms in ascertaining their liability to assessment?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleIt is anticipated that the number of concerns that will be liable to pay the National Defence Contribution will be in the neighbourhood of 35,00o. As regards the last part of the question the material necessary to frame an estimate is not available.