§ 14. Mr. Patrick ThompsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress on the introduction of self-assessment of income tax liability. [32561]
§ Mr. JackWork is proceeding to the planned timetable for the introduction of self-assessment for personal tax, and the issue of the new tax returns in April 1997.
§ Mr. ThompsonI thank my hon. Friend and his colleagues for the briefing sessions on self-assessment that they have been giving Members of Parliament. Can he assure businesses and, indeed, individuals that the introduction of self-assessment will not mean added burdens, extra form filling and the like? There are still some worries on that score.
§ Mr. JackOne of the key elements of self-assessment is simplification. I assure my hon. Friend that, just as we have sought to inform Members of Parliament, there will be a major information campaign throughout the coming 12 months to inform all sectors of business and all private individuals about the changes.