§ Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in connection with an Income Tax appeal at Marlborough recently, where it was decided to have an account prepared from the bank pass books, the Inspector of Taxes insisted upon the account being prepared by a chartered accountant, although the solicitor in the case objected, and expressed the desire to employ an accountant who is a Fellow of the Central Association of Accountants (Incorporated); and whether, in view of the fact that the Income Tax Acts provide that such accounts shall be prepared by a member of an incorporated society, he will instruct the Inspector of Taxes that the services of a chartered accountant are not essential?
Lieut.-Commander YOUNGI am having inquiry made into the matter to which the hon. Member refers, and will communicate with him as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the alterations proposed in Clauses 7 to 18 of the Revenue Bill now before Parliament will mean an increase or a reduction in staff or cost of working; and, if so, what will be the estimated amount of such increase or decrease?
Lieut. - Commander YOUNGThe Clauses in question will enable the clerical and routine work in connection with the administration of the Income Tax to be carried out in far more businesslike conditions than are now possible, and will for this reason not only increase the efficiency of the Income Tax machine, but also produce an economy in the Inland Revenue Vote, which, though small at first, will be progressive and ultimately very substantial.