HC Deb 27 June 1951 vol 489 cc1373-4
46. Wing Commander Hulbert

asked the Minister of Defence if he will bring the provisions of Income Tax. Rule 9, to the notice of all Regular and Reserve officers in the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

Mr. Shinwell

I am looking into the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion and will write to him when I have completed my inquiries.

Brigadier Head

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said recently was correct, the Treasury undoubtedly owe the Services very large sums of money owing to ignorance of this Rule?

Mr. Shinwell

I understand that the Service Departments are discussing this very complicated matter with the Treasury.

Captain Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause the letter to be published in the OFFICIAL REPORT instead of sending it to the hon. and gallant Gentleman, because it is of general interest to all hon. Members?

Mr. Shinwell

That is a fair point, and I will consider it.

Mr. Profumo

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these proposed discussions are bound to take a long time before they bear fruit, and that what we are interested in is what should happen in the meantime? Is he not aware that 90 per cent. of the officers in His Majesty's Forces do not know that they have a right under Rule 9? Will he make it well known to all officers, until there is a result from these discussions, that they have a right under Rule 9?

Mr. Shinwell

I will look at the OFFICIAL REPORT and give that question consideration.

Wing Commander Hulbert

Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite this matter as much as possible, and will be also go into the question of how many years back this Treasury Rule will be retrospective as far as officers are concerned?

Mr. Shinwell

I will do my best to expedite the inquiry, but I cannot commit myself.