HC Deb 27 February 1958 vol 583 cc532-3
37. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give instructions that interest shall not be charged on taxation payments which are overdue in cases where the person concerned has post-war credits outstanding.

Mr. Simon

No, Sir.

Mr. Johnson

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that there is something very unfair about a system under which the Treasury insists on its pound of flesh regarding its own money, but makes no attempt to repay its own debts?

Mr. Simon

No. There is no connection between tax and interest, which are immediately payable, and post-war credits which are payable at a date which may be many years in the future. The proposal would be tantamount to giving special preference to those credit holders who owe large sums of current tax.

38. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total amount of post-war credits repaid in 1957.

Mr. Simon

The total amount was£17.5 million.

Mr. Johnson

May I ask my hon. and learned Friend if there is any hope of accelerating the rate of repayment, especially to those suffering hardship through being owed this money?

Mr. Simon

My hon. Friend will not be surprised to hear me reply that I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.