HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc29-30
54. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are taken to secure the payment of Income Tax by street newsvendors, some of whom in London admit to earning a regular £8 and £10 for a short working week.

Mr. Gaitskell

I do not think it would be in the public interest for me to disclose the methods by which the Inland Revenue try to ensure that correct tax assessments are made, but I can assure the hon. Member that the matter he raises has not been overlooked.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Is the Chancellor aware that, in fact, a great many newsvendors in London of whom I know—I do not know anything about the provinces—do not pay Income Tax, although their income, for a comparatively short working week, is sometimes £10 a week?

Mr. Gaitskell

If the hon. Gentleman has any information, perhaps he would let me have it.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

Is the Chancellor not aware that newsvendors, presumably, are not the only people who work in the streets of London and do not pay their Income Tax?