HC Deb 05 July 1938 vol 338 cc186-7
50. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the high level of taxation and its increasing percentage of the national income, he will give consideration to the appointment of a Royal Commission to examine the whole field of Imperial and local taxation which will result in a more equitable distribution of national and local responsibility?

Sir J. Simon

I do not feel able to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the poorest of the working classes, through indirect taxation, are bearing a quite undue proportion, and cannot something be done to relieve that situation?

Sir J. Simon

I have explained that the relations between Imperial and local taxation, as a subject matter of inquiry, would be a very expensive and elaborate inquiry, and I am not myself at all satisfied that it would result in an agreed redistribution of the burden of taxation.