HC Deb 05 March 1957 vol 566 c171
35. Mr. Roy Jenkins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much he proposes to increase the Income Tax.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I can make no comment upon tax matters.

Mr. Jenkins

Is not the Chancellor aware that his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, exactly three months yesterday, really began this fashion of giving us the Budget by instalments, by threatening an increase in Income Tax? He then said that the position would be more clear in three months' time. As three months have now passed—and bearing in mind the new rule about statements to this House not being Budget leaks—will not the Chancellor at least keep us in touch with the movement of his mind?

Mr. Bellenger

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman not to be discouraged by this Question from investigating the possibilities of reducing Income Tax, as did my right hon. Friend the Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Dalton) when he was Chancellor?

Mr. Jay

Is the Chancellor further aware that the Cinematograph Films Bill provides for a penalty of three months' imprisonment for those making unauthorised disclosures of information?