§ 26. Mr. David Jamesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will arrange for the Inland Revenue to pay the same rate of interest on overdue tax repayments as it exacts for tax not paid.
§ Mr. HigginsI have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ Mr. JamesWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that the Americans have operated such a system for many years, and that the proposal would represent obvious justice as between taxpayer and tax gatherer?
§ Mr. HigginsIt would be a mistake to draw direct conclusions on any of these matters between one country and another. There would be very grave difficulties in the suggestion which my hon. Friend has made. The Inland Revenue is under standing instructions to meet repayment claims as soon as possible. If my hon. Friend has any particular point in mind, I shall certainly look into it.