§ 54. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any decision has yet been reached as to whether National Defence Contribution will be levied upon profits resulting from the business of estate agents; and as to what part of such business will be regarded as professional and non-taxable for this purpose?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleAs explained in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 16th December last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Chatham (Captain Plugge), the ultimate decision in cases of doubt whether any particular business is or is not within the charge or whether any part of the business can be regarded as non-taxable does not rest 24 with the Board of Inland Revenue who are the assessing authority, but is a matter for determination on appeal. No such determination has yet been given in the case of the business of estate agents, but, in the view of the Board, such a business would appear to be within the charge to the National Defence Contribution.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that mean that all estate agents' profits under Schedule D will be liable to National Defence Contribution?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI have given the views of the Department, but, as I pointed out, the matter may yet have to be determined by appeal, if there is any doubt. As I say, the Department do hold the view that they are liable, but the determination may rest with the Commissioners or with the Courts.