HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 cc598-9
34. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements have been made to enable persons who took advantage of the provisions of the Finance Act, 1956, and paid premiums during that year in respect of annuities, to make the appropriate deduction from Income Tax payments demanded from them on 1st January this year.

Mr. Powell

Where retirement annuity relief has been duly claimed and the relief is due, the assessment will be reduced, or tax repaid, as the case may be. It is hoped, however, that all adjustments, arising out of premiums paid during 1956 will have been made before the second instalment of tax for 1956–57 falls due on 1st July, 1957.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a shortage of forms for these claims? At the same time, may I assure him—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—that the professional classes—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must not use this occasion in order to give assurances. He must ask a question.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

May I ask my hon. Friend if he is aware that the professional classes are very grateful to the Conservative Government for bringing in this scheme in the face of Socialist opposition?

Mr. Powell

I am well aware of that, and I will look into the matter of the forms.