§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the York Street Flax Spinning Company, Limited, Belfast, realised so much profit within the present year that it decided rather than pay the tax on the excess over pre-war profits to pay, and did pay, a bonus of from 10 to 20 per cent. on their salaries to its official staff, but not one penny was given or proposed to be given for distribution amongst the women workers in the company's mill whose maximum wage is about 13s. a week; and, if so, whether he will have inquiry made into this matter and communicate the result to the House?
1604W
§ Mr. McKENNAThe Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, contains provisions for dealing with operations which artificially reduce the amount to be taken as the profit for purposes of Excess Profits Duty, and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue will make due inquiry into any cases which appear to call for investigation in this respect. I could not, however, undertake to publish the results of such inquiries made in the case of particular taxpayers.