HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 c1471
58. Mr. Wakefield

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that large sums of money are being remitted by Irish workers to Eire, which are being lost to British war savings and on which no tax has been paid; and what steps is he taking to prevent this export of sterling?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 15th October last to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast University (Prof. Savory).

Professor Savory

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Income Tax is paid upon the enormous wages earned and spent by citizens of Eire in this country, where they are holding up the farmers to ransom?

Sir K. Wood

I want to get in as much Income Tax as possible, but I am bound by the provisions of the Finance Act, 1926, as regards the Irish Free State.

Sir Adam Maitland

Is this not another reason why the Chancellor should consider a change in the imposition of the tax on workers' wages so as to tax them upon current earnings?

Sir K. Wood

I think that is rather dragging the matter too far.