§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of giving relief from Income Tax to Voluntary contributors to the Widows', Orphans', and Old Age Contributory Pensions Act, 1925, similar to that already allowed to compulsory contributors under Subsection (1) (b) of Section 32 of the Income Tax Act, 1918?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy hon. Friend's suggestion is not one that I feel able to adopt.
§ Mr. GARDNERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Mr. W. C. Russell, Killarney House, Shore Road, Belfast, while in temporary employment at Barrow-in-Furness, was asked in May, 1923, to pay £3 17s. for Income Tax; that he informed the. official that he had lodged a claim for a rebate of £10; that when he returned to Belfast shortly after the date named he called on the Income Tat collector, at 82, Royal Avenue, and explained the whole circumstances to him; that the collector told him that it was not necessary to pay the £3 17s. until a definite decision, was reached on the claim for the rebate; that in May last a clerk called for the amount named at Mr. Russell's house, and when informed of the circumstances went away apparently satisfied; that, without further notice or warrant, the collector accompanied by a bailiff on the 19th October, forcibly entered Mr. Russell's house in his absence, demanded payment and threatened if the money was not forthcoming to seize a valuable article of furniture; and what action he proposes to take to deal with this official?
§ Mr. R. McNEILLFrom inquiries which I have made into this case I think that some of the statements contained in the hon. Member's question may require correction. I am, however, proposing to arrange for Mr. Russell to be seen by a senior officer of the Inland Revenue Department in order that certain doubtful points may be investigated, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member.