Australia (Double Taxation Agreement)

HC Deb 18 July 1967 vol 750 c1692

10. Mr. Onslow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what improvement in the liability for taxation of British war widows resident in Australia is expected to result under the new double taxation agreement now being discussed between Her Majesty's Government and the Australian Government.

Mr. MacDermot

Discussions about a new agreement are in progress and I cannot make any statement at present.

Mr. Onslow

Is the Minister aware that as matters stand, and because war widows' pensions are exempt from tax in Australia, British war widows living there and Australian war widows living here both have to pay British tax? Would he do something to remove this anomaly or allow the Australians to introduce a token tax so that they can achieve their purpose?

Mr. MacDermot

I am aware of the matter, and must ask the hon. Gentleman to await the outcome of the negotiations.