HC Deb 15 April 1919 vol 114 cc2726-7W
Sir WATSON RUTHERFORD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in the recent appointment of an Income Tax Commission, a representative of the co-operative societies has been placed upon such Commission; whether he is aware that this appointment is inconsistent with a statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself to the National Federation of Meat Traders' Associations, and subsequently in a private interview at the Treasury with the Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whereat a definite statement was made that no trading associations and not even the associated chambers of commerce and no co-operative societies would be permited to have a representative upon such Commission; whether he is aware that the other associations of traders are much dissatisfied with the appointment referred to, especially having regard to the fact that co-operative societies pay no Income Tax under Schedule D, and whether, if it is intended that such representative of the co-operative societies is to be retained on the Commission, he will see his way to also appoint representatives of the free traders?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to similar questions on the 8th April.