HC Deb 25 February 1931 vol 248 cc2147-8W
Mr. McSHANE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the proportion of taxation to national income in Cyprus; what is the national income per head; and what is the tax revenue per head of the population?

Dr. SHIELS

According to the latest official calculations, which are contained in the report of a taxation commission which examined the position in 1927, the annual income of the island was approximately £3,500,000 and the amount of taxation levied £600,000. Based upon this figure, the proportion of taxation to national income in Cyprus is approximately 17.14 per cent.; national income per head, £10, and the tax revenue per head £1 15s. In spite of the fall in commodity price levels, there appears to be little ground for thinking there has been any substantial change in the above proportions and averages during the last three years. The estimated tax revenue of the island for the current year is approximately £640,000.

Mr. McSHANE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the names of the members of the committee set up to inquire into the finances of the Colony of Cyprus; how many are permanent or other officials and how many are elected members of the legislative council; what are the terms of reference of the committee; and when it is expected to report?

Dr. SHIELS

The names are as followMr. E. du Boulay, Colonial Treasurer (Chairman). Mr. G. F. Wilson, Comptroller of Customs and Excise. Mr. D. N. Demetriou, Mehmed Munir Bey and Mr. A. M. Triantafyllides, Unofficial Members of the Executive Council. There are thus two permanent officials and three Cypriot unofficials on the committee. One of the latter, Mr. Triantafyllides, is a member of the Legislative Council. I am unable to give the exact terms of reference, but the purpose of the committee is to examine into the question of salaries and the economic situation generally with the particular object of balancing the Budget in future. It is hoped that the report of the committee will be submitted in time to enable any recommendations involving legislation to be implemented before the summer season.