Pay Accounts and Income Tax (Overseas Personnel)

HC Deb 06 July 1943 vol 390 cc1918-9

15. Major Nield

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by other ranks serving in the Army overseas by reason of the delay in obtaining statements of account of pay and allowances, owing to reference having to be made to the United Kingdom where the records are kept; and whether, as has been promised in Middle East General Orders, such statements are now sent by microgram?

Mr. A. Henderson

I am aware of the difficulties mentioned, and I can give an assurance that everything possible is being done to furnish formations and units serving overseas with essential information regarding the pay accounts of soldiers. This information is transmitted to areas overseas by fast air mail or by microgram. Full use is made of the microgram service available to the Middle East.

Major Nield

Will my hon. and learned Friend state the average time taken for a soldier to get his pay and allowance statement?

Mr. Henderson

My hon. and gallant Friend had better put that Question down.

16. Major Nield

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of dissatisfaction among other ranks in the Army overseas who are liable for Income Tax at the delay in being informed of the amount of their Income Tax assessment; and whether he will take steps, in consultation with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to remedy the position?

Mr. Henderson

I have no evidence of any general dissatisfaction among other ranks overseas over their Income Tax. Such delays in notification of assessments as arise are due, mainly, to war-time difficulties of communication with stations abroad. In the case of the Middle East arrangements have recently been made which should reduce the delay referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend. Paymasters in this country inform the Regimental Paymaster in the Middle East by microgram of the other ranks there liable to Income Tax and he serves the forms. If my hon. and gallant Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to cause inquiries to be made if he will send me details.