§ 38. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why taxpayers in the Seychelles have been asked to produce full statements of their living expenses between 1927 and 1947.
Mr. Creech JonesI am informed by the Governor that, in a few cases where declarations of income over many years were obviously not in accordance with the standard of living or the known expenditure of the persons concerned, accounts for 20 years back have been called for in order to ascertain whether or not there had been persistent and regular tax evasion over a long period of years.
§ Mr. GammansIs not this whole principle of a witch hunt, which arises out of the incompetence of the Government, something quite repugnant to all ideas of British justice and administration?
Mr. Creech JonesAs the House already knows from previous Debates, there has been some difficulty in the collection of Income Tax in the Seychelles, but if there are any irregularities, obviously appeals to the courts can be made.
§ Mr. HarrisonCould the Minister associate some particular number with the word "few" which he has used?