HC Deb 09 March 1965 vol 708 cc221-2
13. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present cost of collecting taxes by the Government; and what estimate he has made of the cost incurred by industry and others in assisting the Government in the collection of taxes.

Mr. MacDermot

In 1963–64, the costs of collecting the Inland Revenue duties, the Customs and Excise duties and the Motor Vehicles duties were £60.7 million, £24.8 million and £5.2 million, respectively. These figures include the relevant expenses incurred by other Departments. The answer to the second part of the Question is that no such estimate has been made.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is not this figure far too high, and does it not show the urgent necessity of not overburdening the tax collecting machinery? Will the Chancellor do everything he can to act accordingly?

Mr. MacDermot

If the hon. Gentleman has any suggestions as to how we might collect our taxes more cheaply, I should be very glad to receive them.