§ 50. Mr. Manderasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will call for a report from the British Embassy in Washington as to the extent to which British subjects now residing in the United States of America, if made subject to British Income Tax, could add to the receipts of the British Exchequer during the war; and as to the extent to which dollar securities are held by such persons?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. I do not think a useful purpose would be served by this inquiry.
§ Mr. ManderWould not the right hon. Gentleman be in a much better position to decide whether it is worth pursuing these people if he had a report as to the size of the problem, in view of the great interest taken in this matter both in this country and in the United States?
§ Sir K. WoodThe hon. Member knows that I have gone into this matter at considerable length and made many inquiries, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by following the course he suggests.
§ Mr. ManderHow did the right hon. Gentleman go into the matter properly without getting a report as to the size of the problem? Will he not reconsider the matter? Otherwise, I shall have to pursue it.
§ Sir K. WoodIf the hon. Member has any further information to give, I should be glad to look into it.