§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that he is in negotiation with the authorities of the Channel Islands with a view of preventing persons escaping taxation, he will say whether such negotiations are proceeding satisfactorily; and whether there is any probability of such negotiations resulting in an agreement for retrospective payment of taxation from the Houston estate?
§ Mr. McNEILLMy right hon. Friend is glad to say that though various details remain to be worked out, agreement on all essential points was reached during these discussions. He hopes therefore to be in a position to place definite proposals before the House next year, as was foreshadowed in his Budget Speech.
In regard to the last part of the question, it is not contemplated that the legislation next year should be retrospective, but a claim for duty in the case mentioned is being pursued under the existing law.