§ 20. Mr. Marquandasked the chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now change the policy set out in the then Chief Secretary's evidence to the Select Committee on Procedure during its inquiry into the scrutiny of taxation and published in its report "Scrutiny of Taxation, 1971."
§ Mr. Joel BarnettIn the course of the summer, I hope to consider fully the important issues discussed by the Select Committee.
§ Mr. MarquandThat is a mildly encouraging reply, but is my hon. Friend aware that the Select Committee on Procedure unanimously recommended the setting up of a Select Committee on Taxation? Will he bring pressure to bear on his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House for a debate on that report, which has so far not been debated?
§ Mr. BarnettI am obliged to my hon. Friend for his opening remark, and I am sorry that my answer was only mildly encouraging. We have been in office only for a short period and during that time we have been very busy. I am giving consideration to the document.