HC Deb 14 January 1918 vol 101 cc41-2W
Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the sale of enemy-owned busi nesses in this country has disclosed a system widely adopted by German firms whereby the Treasury has been defrauded of sums due on account of Income and Super-taxes by importing part of the goods required for a finished article at exorbitant prices; is he aware that under the taxation necessary after the War this fact imposes a serious disability on competing British goods; and if he will take steps that will ensure all foreign-owned businesses bearing the same financial responsibility after the War will be as required from all British-owned firms?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions of Section 31 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, which was enacted to safeguard the revenue in cases of the type which he apparently has in mind.

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