HC Deb 23 September 1943 vol 392 cc384-5
48. Sir H. Williams

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to make any further statement on the question of Ministers of the Crown being permitted to claim as deductable against salary any expenses arising out of the performance of their duties as Members of Parliament?

Mr. Attlee

This matter has been considered, but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister does not propose to make any recommendations to the House on this subject at the present time.

Sir H. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this small class of persons should be the only people in the country who are taxed on money which is not income, when every other citizen is entitled to deduct from his remuneration the expenses necessarily arising out of his job, and why is this precluded in respect of these people?

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as conditions now are, it does not pay an hon. Member of this House to draw his salary as an Under-Secretary?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Sir A. Southby

May I have an answer?

Mr. Attlee

I am quite aware of these things.

Sir A. Southby

The right hon. Gentleman might have answered it, anyway.