§ 53. Mr. Mainwaringasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the proposal to introduce compulsory savings by imposing Income Tax upon earnings at a lower level, he gave consideration to the unequal manner large numbers of people will be affected thereby due to the incidence of unavoidable travelling expenses, etc.; and is he prepared to reconsider the question in the light of these factors?
§ Captain CrookshankMy right hon. Friend is afraid that he cannot see his way to propose an extension of the basis on which deductions for expenses are allowed in assessing wages and other emoluments to Income Tax.
§ Mr. MainwaringAre we to assume that the basis taken by the Department in assessing the possible saving powers of an individual is not the income entering the home, but the income paid at the point of production? Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there are hundreds of thousands of workmen who are necessarily contributing at least £25 a year in travelling expenses?
§ Mr. CollindridgeDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise also that the Government's policy of curtailing the housing programme has resulted in an increase in travelling expenses?
§ Mr. WoodsDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider it right that the whole population of suburban London, who have to work in the City and are compelled to live outside, should now be placed at a disadvantage compared with those who live in the vicinity of the place where they work? Will he reconsider the matter?
§ Captain CrookshankI am sure that it is a matter of great importance to many people, but my right hon. Friend does not think that, in our present state of affairs, he should propose an extension of the basis upon which deductions are made.