§ 11. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what reports he has received from Her Majesty's High Commissioner in Wellington about the effect on British pensioners resident in New Zealand of the failure to negotiate a new double taxation agreement with the New Zealand Government.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe British High Commissioner in Wellington has reported that, in the period immediately following the termination of the 1947 agreement, he received a number of inquiries from British pensioners in New Zealand who were concerned about their tax liability.
§ Mr. OnslowIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that is not a very satisfactory reply? There is evidence that inconvenience and distress are still being caused to British pensioners in New Zealand, particularly widows. Will not he take some action to urge his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to conclude a new double taxation agreement so that the uncertainty can be cleared up?
§ Mr. HughesAs the hon. Gentleman knows, my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary said, in reply to a Question asked by the hon. Gentleman yesterday, that our two countries are in touch with each other on this matter.
§ Mr. WebsterDoes the hon. Gentleman think that the agreement on double taxation relief is likely to be accelerated by the Finance Bill?
§ Mr. HughesPerhaps the hon. Gentleman would address that question to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.