Tax Payments (Mistake of Law)

HC Deb 05 July 1949 vol 466 c1957

41. Sir John Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the circular issued to Departments by the Treasury concerning their retention of money paid under mistake of law.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Ivor Thomas

Do I understand that Government Departments assert their right to retain money collected under this mistake of law? If so, is not that repugnant to public policy?

Sir S. Cripps

If the hon. Member will read the answer given, I think, last week and the document, he will see what is the position.