HC Deb 01 February 1939 vol 343 c203
39. Mr. Lyons

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, without anticipating his Budget statement and in view of concessions made with regard to renewals of machinery, he will now consider the practicability of granting relief to the smaller taxpayer, up to a certain percentage of his income, in respect of expenditure incurred in any future financial year in consequence of medical or surgical treatment necessitated by personal illness?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Euan Wallace)

My right hon. Friend regrets that he cannot see his way to adopt my hon. and learned Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Lyons

In view of the great public interest in this matter, would the Chancellor consider representations on the matter before coming to a decision on his forthcoming Budget statement?

Captain Wallace

This proposal is, as I understand it, substantially the same as one which my right hon. Friend resisted on the last Finance Bill. I hope my hon. and learned Friend will not think me egotistic if I ask him to refer to my own remarks on that occasion.

Mr. Lyons

While bearing in mind what my right hon. Friend said last year, I would ask, is it not a fact that what he said gave ground for hope that the matter would be reconsidered this year?

Captain Wallace

I do not think so.