HC Deb 14 February 1938 vol 331 cc1548-9W
Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the recommendation to the United States Congress by the American Federation of Labour that help be given to business by the repeal or modification of the taxes on undistributed profits; and whether he will consider the desirability of applying the same principle in his forthcoming Budget?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

My hon. Friend will not expect me to anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget statement. I may, however, remind him that the question of relief from Income Tax on the undistributed profits of companies is not a new one, but has been frequently the subject of discussion in Finance Bill Debates.

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is prepared, in formulating his financial proposals for the coming financial year, to accord to income-earning women the same Income Tax abatement in respect of a dependent relative or a housekeeper as is at present accorded to a widower?

Sir J. Simon

As the hon. Member will appreciate, I cannot anticipate my Budget statement. As regards the allowance for dependent relatives, if the hon. Member will refer to the provisions of Section 22 of the Finance Act, 1920, he will see that no distinction is made between one taxpayer and another in the grant of this allowance.