HC Deb 02 February 1960 vol 616 c781
22. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost to his Department of collecting taxes in the financial year 1958–59.

Mr. Amory

About £65 million for the Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue together.

Mr. Ridsdale

Will the Chancellor bear in mind the possibility of simplifying the tax structure so that we can reduce this figure in the coming Budget?

Mr. Amory

That is something that I am always looking at and hoping that we shall find ways of achieving, but the costs of these Departments, if considered as a percentage of the revenue collected, cannot be regarded as entirely unsatisfactory. They are 1.38 per cent in the case of the Inland Revenue Department and 0.86 per cent. in the case of the Customs and Excise Department, which compare well with such rates as I have been able to obtain in respect of any other country.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this is one piece of State enterprise which makes a profit?

Mr. Amory

I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.