HC Deb 09 June 1942 vol 380 c918
55. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Mr. Claude Albo de Bernales and/or the private companies of which he and his family are the shareholders have been taxed on the profits which they made on the promotion and share dealings in the eight West Australian goldmining companies known as the de Bernales group, as set forth in the eight Reports of Sir William McLintock, the inspector appointed under the Companies Act by the President of the Board of Trade; and what unpaid taxation assessments are outstanding against Mr. de Bernales and/or his family companies?

Sir K. Wood

I cannot furnish any information in reply to this Question, as it would be contrary to the statutory obligations of secrecy to disclose any information regarding the tax liability of individual taxpayers.

Mr. Bellenger

I well understand the Chancellor's reluctance to do that, but, if there are any unpaid assessments still outstanding, will he bear in mind the substantial profits which have been made by this gentleman and his associate companies, as revealed in the Sir William McLintock's reports?