Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the campaign to increase savings at the present time is prejudiced by the fact that many members of the public retain sums in the bank in view of their uncertainty about their future commitments in respect of Income Tax and repair of damage to their property through air-raids; and whether he will take action in the near future to remove these uncertainties as far as possible?
§ Sir K. WoodI recognise the importance of the considerations to which my hon. Friend refers. As regards taxation, taxpayers can assist the financing of the war effort by making advance payments to the Inland Revenue in respect of future tax liabilities. If the amount so advanced exceeds such liabilities, the balance can, of course, be subsequently withdrawn. As regards damage to property by air raids, uncertainties will as far as possible be1226W removed by the contributory scheme of compensation for war damage, which, as already announced, the Government intend to introduce shortly.