HC Deb 08 April 1919 vol 114 cc1865-6W
Mr. BRIGGS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with regard to the appointment of Mr. H. J. May, of the Co-operative Union, as a member of the Income Tax Commission, he will reconsider it in connection with his promise to the Federation of Grocers' Associations?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to similar questions this afternoon.

Viscount WOLMER

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that farmers alone have had their Income Tax increased to twenty-four times to what it was in 1913 under Schedule B, he will arrange that a farmer should be appointed as a member of the Income Tax Commission ?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not know whether my Noble Friend means to suggest by his question that farmers as a class are worse off than other Income Tax payers. If so, I could not accept the suggestion as well founded. As regards the addition of other members to the Commission, I fear I cannot go beyond the announcement made yesterday or the Commission will become unwieldy, but I think that my Noble Friend will recognise that agricultural interests are well represented in the person of my right hon. Friend the Member for the Chelmsford Division of Essex.

Viscount WOLMER

asked the Prime Minister whether he can arrange that, in view of the fact that the co-operative societies are represented on the Income Tax Commission, provision traders should also be represented?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my Noble Friend to the reply which I gave to similar questions this afternoon.

Colonel Sir HILDRED CARLILE

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that, although members of the Co-operative Union do not pay Income Tax under Schedule D, a member of this body has been placed upon the Income Tax Commission; and whether, in view of this fact, he will secure upon that Commission at least one or more representatives of general traders?

Mr. BALDWIN

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave this afternoon to similar questions.