§ Mr. CURRYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the project to introduce Income Tax into Palestine; and whether, in view of the recent unsuccessful attempt to introduce Income Tax into Kenya, he will discourage any similar proposals in connection with Palestine?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe Government of Palestine has under consideration the question whether a low Income Tax, with exemptions on small incomes, could not usefully form part of a scheme for making the burden of taxation in Palestine less onerous; the primary object being not to increase the general burden of taxation, but to spread its incidence more equitably. A commission of local officials, with whom is associated an official of the Board of Inland Revenue as an expert adviser, was appointed last February to take 1129W evidence from chambers of commerce, representatives of the larger industries and professions, and other interested members of the public. Until that Commission has reported, and I have the recommendations of the High Commissioner, it would be premature for me to express any views on the question.