§ 56. Mr. Collindridgeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why workers in the Barnsley district are having full deductions from their wages for Income Tax purposes in 19 weeks of a half year, constituting hardship in many cases; and can arrangements be made for the deductions to be spread over a greater number [...] weeks?
§ Sir K. WoodWith regard to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 8th January to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth (Sir L. Lyle). I regret that I cannot accept the suggestion made in the second part of the Question: but, as I have already stated, the whole subject is being examined, and I hope to deal with the matter in my Budget Statement.
§ Mr. CollindridgeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is growing discontent in the district with the principle involved in this Question, and also with the later returns sent out by his Department, and will he hasten the discussions on this matter with the workers' representatives?
§ Sir K. WoodYes, Sir, the discussions are now taking place.