§ Mr. G. Hallasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the large increase in the wealth of a number of persons with incomes exceeding£2,000 per annum, as is disclosed in the recent report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, he will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire as to what proportion of this wealth is derived from the manufacture of arms?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I may point out that the Surtax assessments dealt with in the report to which the hon. Member refers are those for the five years to 1936 –37 and therefore relate to incomes earned before the commencement of the defence programme. The growth indicated by the Surtax assessments for those years is but one among many indications of the gradual return of prosperity to this country after the disasters of 1931.