HC Deb 20 January 1953 vol 510 c9
6. Mr. Simon

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how it came about that Arthur Leader, Bishopstone Road, Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, an undischarged bankrupt since 1932, was allowed to incur a liability of £250,000 to the Inland Revenue in respect of unpaid tax, dating back to 1942.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I have seen a report on this case but I am precluded from discussing the taxation affairs of individuals. The Revenue make every effort to assess and collect tax at the earliest possible date.

Mr. Simon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this Question does not relate to the tax affairs of an individual but to the conduct of his officials in failing to recover a very large sum of taxation? Is he aware that the figure was given in the public examination of the debtor?

Mr. Butler

I am, of course, aware of the reports of this case. because I read them in the public Press, but I am equally assured that the amounts alleged to be due to the Inland Revenue have been very much exaggerated and that the liability is very much less than that stated.