HC Deb 06 February 1940 vol 357 c26
52. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that Government interference with private enterprise throughout the country does not destroy the tax-yielding capacity of many large industries as, for instance, the motor industry?

Sir J. Simon

While controls necessary for the effective prosecution of the war may interrupt the prosperity of some trades, the war effort as a whole will increase both the income and taxable capacity of the nation.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the ever-increasing hampering bureaucratic control is destroying revenue and will he take some action both speedy and direct to prevent this process from going on?

Sir J. Simon

I quite realise that there are cases where these difficulties arise and I am glad to receive information about them; nevertheless, I think that the revenue will still be found to be quite considerable.