HC Deb 26 February 1942 vol 378 cc351-2
55. Sir T. Moore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now define his arrangements whereby British subjects residing in the United States of America and not officially employed or engaged in our war effort will be compelled to pay British Income and Super Tax to the British Treasury?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)

So far as Income Tax and Surtax are concerned, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies I gave on 7th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Clackmannan and Eastern (Mr. Woodburn) and on 30th September to my hon. Friend the Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander). Step have been taken, under the Amendment to the Defence (Finance) Regulations of 11th November, 1941, to block bank accounts of certain British nationals who were resident in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the war and are now outside the sterling area. I have also under consideration the possibility of taking further powers to prevent certain abuses in relation to British subjects living permanently abroad.

Sir T. Moore

What about British subjects who are drawing interest from capital investment in America? Why should they not contribute materially to our war effort?

Sir K. Wood

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will study the answers I have already given.

Mr. Mander

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a number of wealthy British people in the United States? Will he take active steps to deal with these people, and not go on saying that the matter is under consideration?

Sir K. Wood

My hon. Friend knows that it is not a matter of my not desiring to do it; but there are difficulties.

Mr. Mander

May I point out that there are no real difficulties?

Sir K. Wood

My hon. Friend often does that.