Mr. David Adamsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of appointing a director of public relations with an adequate staff to the Inland Revenue Department, with a view to improving the relations between the public and the Income Tax authorities, and to evolving simple explanatory memoranda which will enable each side better to appreciate the difficulties of the other?
§ Sir J. SimonI do not consider that the business of the Inland Revenue Department affords a suitable field for the appointment of a director such as the hon. Member suggests. I would, however, remind him that the decentralised administration of the Income Tax provides 1877W officers of standing available for consultation not only in London, but throughout the country generally.
§ Mr. Grant-Ferrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any indication when he considers it will be possible to complete the restoration of the full £225 personal allowance which was granted to Income Tax payers prior to 1931; and whether he will consider refunding all or part of the additional tax paid since 1931?
§ Sir J. SimonMy hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot anticipate my Buclget statement. I may, however, point out that while the married allowance is less than it was before 1931, other personal allowances and reliefs are higher. One cannot compare one particular allowance without taking the others into account.