HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc942-3W
Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether a special department exists for refund of Income Tax in Ireland; if so, if he will give particulars as to the number of hands employed, stating whether male or female; and whether those employed are civil servants?

Lieut.-Commander YOUNG

A special section of the office of the Comptroller of Stamps and Income Tax at the Custom House, Dublin, exists for the repayment of Income Tax in Ireland. The staff employed varies according to the pressure of work and on the 7th April, 1921, consisted of 29 men and 18 women all of whom are civil servants, the majority being employed in a temporary capacity.

Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many claims for refund of Income Tax have been made in Ireland covering the period of the financial year last past; how many of these claims have been disposed of; and how many are still outstanding?

Lieut.-Commander YOUNG

The number of claims for repayment of Income Tax dealt with in Ireland during the financial year 1920–21 is shown approximately by the following table:—

In hand at beginning of year 1,400
Received during year 80,000
Total 81,400
Paid during year 72,000
Claims not pursued or in which no repayment was found due 8,000
80,000
Number in hand at end of year 1,400

Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any instructions were issued by the Treasury to hold over claims for refund of Income Tax during the last financial year until after the 31st March, 1921; and what is the average time involved from receipt of the claim and, if successful, until payment is made?

Lieut.-Commander YOUNG

I should have hoped that the hon. Member would need no assurance that the answer to the first part of his question is in the negative. As regards the second part, claims for repayment of Income Tax are not spread evenly over a whole year, but are received in very great numbers during a limited period of time. During the period of pressure some delay is inevitable, but every effort is made to settle claims with the least delay.

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