§ 21. Mr. Tilneyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criterion he lays down as to the percentage which is reasonable for the cost of collection of a tax; and whether in his calculations he takes into account the cost to industry of personnel employed by industry solely for the collection of that tax.
§ Mr. DiamondBecause of the varying circumstances, there is no single criterion of cost. In considering taxation policy the Government take into account the costs falling on industry as well as those falling on public funds.
§ Mr. TilneyWill the Chief Secretary bear in mind that the cost of the collection of tax in the United States of America is immensely less than it is in this country? Does he not consider that the collection of tax should be as simple as possible?
§ Mr. DiamondI have always thought that the collection of tax should be as simple as possible and I put forward this argument when we introduced Corporation Tax.