§ 2.42 p.m.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (THE EARL OF SELKIRK)My Lords, I should like to make an apology to the House and, in particular, to the noble Lord, Lord Jessel, for the Answer which I gave to the Question which the noble Lord asked on Wednesday, February 26. It concerned the wording of the statement on accounts issued by the Southern Electricity Board to the effect that receipts would not be given where payment was made by cheque. The Answer I gave then was based on wrong information and was misleading. I now understand that the words given by the noble Lord in his Question were in fact used on accounts issued in the Portsmouth Sub-Area. A different wording has now been substituted both on the account form and on the explanatory note intended to be attached to the account. This makes it clear that the Board is prepared to issue receipts when requested. I very much regret this error and hope that the House will accept my sincere apology.
§ LORD JESSELMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Earl for his statement, which reassures me that I am still capable of reading accounts when I receive them.
§ LORD KILLEARNMy Lords, as this question has come up, and at the risk of flogging a dead horse, may I mention that a number of receipts for over £2 still I arrive without a stamp? I am still rather vague as to what we should do about them.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I think the noble Lord is fully aware that he is entitled by law to demand a proper receipt if he wants one.
§ LORD KILLEARNYes. But do the Government encourage that practice? Do they mind losing their £5 million, or do they not? We are told that it costs £5 million sterling. If it is a matter of indifference to the Government, it seems somewhat strange.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I would say that if the noble Lord would look after his own interests in the matter of receipts, I expect the Government will look after theirs.
LORD REAMy Lords, I should like to ask whether it is still the opinion of Her Majesty's Government that individuals have a moral duty to notify the tax commissioners if this practice is proceeded with.
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords. I should not like to pronounce on moral duty, but they have no legal duty to do so. However, I am sure the tax commissioners will be grateful for any information of that kind.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, would the noble Earl be prepared to answer the Question I have down for early next week, which covers this whole matter as well as I am able to cover it?
§ THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, when that arises, I will endeavour to do so.