HC Deb 04 March 1948 vol 448 cc523-4
56. Mr. Baker White

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause to have printed on the back of tax assessments a statement showing the proportion of each £ of total revenue spent on debt services, defence, education, housing, food and other subsidies, contributions to local authorities, national insurance and other services.

Mr. Jay

In view of the continued need for strict economy in paper and printing I am afraid my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer could not see his way to adopt this suggestion at the present time.

Mr. Keeling

Would not such a statement tend to put a stop to the deceitful suggestions at by-elections, of which I am sure the hon. Gentleman does not approve, that food subsidies are paid, not by the consumer, but out of some mysterious Government fund?

Mr. Jay

This information is already available in other official publications.

Mr. Keeling

But the public does not see them.