§ 44. Lieut.-Commander Maydonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the reasons for the increase in Inland Revenue staff by 767 between 1st April, 1958, and 1st April, 1959.
Mr. AmoryThe reason was an increase in the work of local offices of H.M. Inspectors of Taxes due mainly to the increase in the number of taxpayers.
§ Lieut.-Commander MaydonIs this likely to be a permanent increase, or is it a figure which is liable to fluctuate from year to year?
Mr. AmoryI think that the tendency is for the numbers to increase in accordance with the increasing prosperity in the country generally which we are at present experiencing.
Mr. H. WilsonBut are we not always hearing propaganda from Conservative Central Office to the effect that the Government have taken millions upon millions out of tax? Will the Chancellor say how the numbers now paying Income Tax compare with the numbers in 1951?
Mr. AmoryWhat the right hon. Gentleman should take note of is the fact that under this Government the total amount paid in taxation has been enormously reduced in contrast with the record of the Labour Administration.
Mr. WilsonIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the total amount paid in taxation under this Government is running at between £1,500 million and £2,000 million more than in 1951? Will he answer my question? Does not his first answer conflict entirely with the claims of Tory propaganda that the Government are taking large numbers of people out of the taxation schedules?