HC Deb 24 February 1944 vol 397 cc978-9
52. Mr. Foster

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give consideration to raising the maximum allowance of £10 travelling expenses for Income Tax purposes to meet the cases of workers directed to employment long distances from home.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Andreson)

I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of an increase in the allowance for additional travelling expenses to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Foster

Will the Chancellor give consideration to this matter as there are thousands of workers who have been directed to employment in the case of which travelling expenses are far in excess of £10 allowed for Income Tax purposes? Will he reconsider the matter with a view to improving the position?

Sir J. Anderson

I am afraid not. This matter was very carefully looked into at the time. This concession of £10 allowance was a valuable one quite outside the ordinary scheme of the Income Tax. I would point out that assistance by way of Income Tax allowance is by no means the only way by which the position of workers can be eased.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the Chancellor aware that if those transferred had gone to live where the work was, and they were marriedmen, they would have received an additional allowance from the Government, and by travelling they save the Government that allowance? Will the Chancellor not consider that in this matter?

Sir J. Anderson

I do not think it would be possible to carry the matter further without entering the region of debate.

Mr. Burke

Is the Chancellor aware that since the£10 allowance was decided upon many buses have been withdrawn and men have been forced to travel by railway at double cost?

Sir J. Anderson

I would point out again that this allowance is not the only way by which the position of the workers can be eased.