HC Deb 18 May 1944 vol 400 cc332-3
36. Mr. Mainwaring

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, since a workman changing his employment or in other circumstances suffering a reduction in weekly wages, is almost immediately having an adjustment made in the amount of tax deduction under Pay-as-you-Earn, and even receives refunds, he will arrange for the same procedure to be followed for men called-up to the Services, and thus avoid their waiting to the end of the financial year.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)

Persons joining the Forces will not have to wait until the end of the year to obtain any refund which may be due in respect of the tax deducted from their pay in their previous employment. In cases where a refund is due, it will be made by the Inland Revenue during the course of the year, and the Board of Inland Revenue are at present engaged in completing the necessary arrangements.

Mr. Mainwaring

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this is expedited, because in certain cases men recently joining the Forces have suffered some hardship in domestic conditions as a result of the present arrangements.

Mr. Assheton

We certainly hope to expedite the matter. The hon. Member will 'appreciate that Pay-as-you-earn does not, and could not, in present circumstances, apply to the Forces, but every step is being taken to expedite the matter he refers to.

Mr. Bowles

Have any instructions been issued for holidays under Pay-as-you-earn?

Mr. Assheton

That is a different question.