§ 61. Mr. Jaggerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that shareholders in sugar and other companies registered in the West Indian islands, pay a much lower rate of taxation on dividends than shareholders of the same companies living in this country; and whether, since the West Indies need extra revenue, he will recommend to the different Governments concerned the desirability of taking action upon the recommendation in the Report of the West Indies Royal Commission, to the effect that the West Indian Colonies should bring their rates of taxation, etc., more into line with the pre-war rates payable here?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware that rates of Income Tax are lower in the West Indian Colonies than in this country, and I am in consultation with the Governors of these Colonies regarding the recommendations of the West India Royal Commission, including the recommendation that the rates of Income Tax should be brought more into line with the pre-war rates payable in the United Kingdom.