HC Deb 05 August 1942 vol 382 cc1048-9W
Mr. Purbrick

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that about two-thirds of the adult population pay no Income Tax or Surtax and that approximately half the total is paid by 105,000 persons on gross incomes of over£2,000 a year, amounting to approximately£4,500 per head against approximately£28 per head paid by those having gross incomes of under£500 a year, he will make it clear to the general public that, while equal personal sacrifices in war services are made by all classes, it is the richer who, in addition, are contributing by far the greater amount of money?

Sir K. Wood

The incidence of direct taxation according to the amount of the income is, I think, generally well understood by the public, and is frequently referred to in public statements on the subject. I would invite my hon. Friend's attention to an illustration to be found on page 19 of the "New Income Tax Quiz for Wage-Earners," which is being widely circulated, and of which I am sending him a copy.