§ 53. Mr. Grimstonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average cost per annum of providing one Cabinet Minister with one motor car and chauffeur; and what gross increase of salary over the present figure of £5,000 per annum would be required in order to 1046 produce the extra net income sufficient to cover this cost after deduction of Income Tax and Surtax at present rates and, assuming for the purposes of the calculation, that there is no private income.
§ Mr. DaltonOne thousand and twenty-five pounds. As regards the second part of the Question, expenses necessarily incurred by the holder of an office in the performance of his duties are deductible in arriving at his Income Tax and Surtax assessments. The figure asked for is. therefore, quite unreal.
§ Mr. GrimstonAlthough in the opinion of the Chancellor the figure is unreal, could he, nevertheless. give it to me?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. It would not mean anything.