§ Wing-Commander R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for war whether he is aware that Army authorities have recently written to parents of men who are prisoners of war in the Far East requesting information about the prisoners of war incomes other than Army pay and financial obligations, with a view to assessing the Army pay with further Income Tax; and whether he will abandon this practice which is offensive to the relatives and ungenerous to the prisoners of war.
§ Mr. BellengerThis practice has operated since early in the war. It was designed in the interests of prisoners of war who are unable to complete an ordinary Income Tax return while in captivity. In the case of officers, relatives are asked to complete the usual Income Tax return on the officer prisoner of war's behalf, but in the case of soldiers a simplified questionnaire is sent asking the minimum information which will enable a reasonably accurate assessment856W to be made. The possession of other income affects the tax liability and the hon. and gallant Member will understand that relatives may have information regarding a title to relief which is not within the knowledge of the Army authorities. Thehon. and gallant Member will also appreciate the desirability of securing adequate deductions from the officer's or soldier's pay in order that arrears may not pile up while he is unable to look after his affairs. The issue of the questionnaire to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will be discontinued as soon as the general release of prisoners of war in the Far East has been completed.