HC Deb 08 March 1956 vol 549 c2309
51. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations were recently made to him by a deputation from the Institute of Directors on the question of the high rate of Surtax; and the nature of his reply.

Mr. H. Brooke

On Surtax, the deputation suggested that the rates on earned incomes between 2,000 and £5,000 should be halved and the rates on earned incomes over £5,000 should be reduced by a quarter. My right hon. Friend promised to consider their representations on this and other matters.

Mr. Hughes

Could the Financial Secretary tell us if this interesting deputation was led by our old friend Lord Chandos, and did the Government say that in all these cases of heavy expenditure their motto was "Do not be greedy?"

Mr. Brooke

I was not present when the deputation was received so I do not know the exact membership of it, but I should have thought that a Scotsman ought to wish to maintain the principle that people who think they are paying out too much money should have the right to say so.