§ 38. Mr. Keelingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will include in the next Finance Bill a provision to deprive the Commissioners of Inland Revenue of the power to charge interest on any special contribution which has not been assessed, and to require them to refund any interest already so charged.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Chancellor aware that the net yield obtainable on the money before assessment and payment is far less than the interest demanded? How can he defend a situation whereby the longer the Treasury is in arrear with the assessments the more interest they get and the more money the taxpayer loses?
§ Sir S. CrippsThis question was raised and was very effectively defended when the House of Commons put the provision into the Measure.
§ Mr. StanleyIs it not a fact that the arrears of assessment are much greater than was ever hinted to the House of 27 Commons last summer, and, therefore, is not the position of the taxpayer much more difficult than anyone ever thought that it would be in this respect?
§ Sir S. CrippsNo. I cannot accept that statement at all.
§ Mr. NicholsonA constituent of mine wished to pay something on account in order to avoid paying interest on his assessment for special contribution. The local tax office refused to give him any assistance and refused to tell him what he could do to avoid payment of interest. How does the Chancellor defend that position?
§ Sir S. CrippsThat seems to be quite wrong, and if the hon. Member will send me particulars I will have the matter looked into.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyIs the Chancellor aware that where contributions have been made on time his officials have in some cases not even taken the trouble to acknowledge their receipt?
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksHow has the Chancellor been able in this case to foreshadow his Budget statement?
§ Sir S. CrippsThat is a matter which the hon. Member will no doubt see when I come to make it.