HC Deb 27 April 1948 vol 450 cc209-10
52. Lieut. - Commander Gurney Braithwaite

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many cases ex-officers of His Majesty's Forces have been permitted to set off Post-War Credits against claims for arrears of Income Tax.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I assume that the hon. Member refers to the arrangements announced by the late Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29th October, 1946, for setting off arrears of Income Tax against the Post-War Credit for 1945–46. I regret that information as to the number of cases in which this has been done is not available.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Is it the case that Post-War Credits can now be released irrespective of the age of the applicant, provided he is in debt to the Government, and if he is solvent he has to wait until he is 65 years of age? Is that the case?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

On a point of Order, in view of the silence of the Financial Secretary—

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The short answer is that that is not the case.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Is not this a case of discrimination in favour of one beneficiary against another beneficiary?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

This practice has been going on for at least 18 months. It was announced by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) in October, 1946. It is only in certain circumstances, to help the taxpayers, that the Post-War Credits for this last year in which they were paid are set off in this particular way.

Mr. Jennings

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that if one section of the community can set off Post-War Credits against arrears, it is high time we should all have our quota?

Lieut. - Commander Braithwaite

To give the right hon. Gentleman the chance of giving the long instead of the short answer, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise this matter on the Whitsuntide Adjournment.