§ 21. Mr. Wadeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will adjust the rules relating to expenses allowable in assessing liability to Income Tax under Schedule E, in order to remove the anomalies which at present exist as between those who are assessed for Income Tax under Schedule E and those who are assessed under Schedule D.
§ Mr. WadeDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that taxpayers who are in receipt of salaries and wages are at a disadvantage and are treated more adversely than those assessed under Schedule D? It is a long time since the Royal Commission reported, and there has been rather a long close season. Can the right hon. Gentleman's reference to his Budget statement be regarded as an assurance that he will look into this matter again before making that statement?
Mr. AmoryI am very cautious about accepting any commitment at all, but I think I can safely say that between now and the Budget I shall be looking again at everything which I have already looked at, so I can give the hon. Member the assurance for which he has asked. On the other hand, I would ask him to appreciate that there is a difference in the nature of the offices assessed under Schedule E and Schedule D, respectively.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWill my right hon. Friend take note of suggestions repeatedly made by hon. Members on both sides of the House to the effect that he ought to take powers to change taxation from time to time during the year by way of affirmative Resolution, which would enable him repeatedly to enjoy 781 anticipating his Budget statement? Cannot we get away from this absurd period of purdah of four months preceding the annual Budget?