§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the difficulties caused to women who become widows having to meet arrears of income tax on their first year's widow's pension; and whether he will make an arrangement for tax to be deducted weekly by arrangement with the taxpayer concerned when tax is due.
§ Mr. Harold LeverIf the widow tells the tax office the amount of her pension as soon as she starts to draw it it is usually possible to avoid a tax arrear. Special arrangements for tax to be deducted from the pension itself are not practicable; but where the widow has a job the liability can often be covered by increased P.A.Y.E. deductions from her earnings. Where it is necessary to ask for payment of tax direct to the Revenue, it is normally payable to the Collector of Taxes in four equal instalments.