HC Deb 15 July 1941 vol 373 cc453-4
51. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Chanceller of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that the Treasury does not sustain losses by reason of the large-scale cash transactions in the fruit and vegetable black market, of which transactions the traders keep no book records?

Sir K. Wood

I presume my hon. Friend has in mind the due taxation of trading profits arising from cash transactions. inspectors of Taxes, whose duty it is to satisfy themselves so far as possible that traders are charged to tax on their full profits are alive to the possible absence of cash transactions from the normal trading records, and take appropriate steps to ensure that the full profits are assessed where they have reason to believe that a correct return has not been delivered.

Mr. Walkden

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to examine representations which have recently been made by the London and Liverpool Chambers of Commerce, and is he aware of the allegations that they make that it may be very diff-cult in a few months' time to point to an honest man in the fruit and vegetable market at all?

Sir K. Wood

I regret to hear the latter statement. I will gladly examine any particulars that are sent to me; I should like individual cases.

Mr. Walkden

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister of Food. as he has the evidence?