HC Deb 22 December 1954 vol 535 cc305-6W
Mr. Houghton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many intended investigations into under-assessment of Income Tax, both on profits and untaxed interest, are now awaiting attention.

Mr. H. Brooke

About 30,000 in all.

Mr. Houghton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the results of investigations into under-assessment of taxes on income and profits so far completed in the current year compare with the results for the previous year to 31st March, 1954.

Mr. H. Brooke

The number of larger cases settled in the first six months of the current financial year exceeds half of the total number of such cases settled in the previous financial year.

Mr. Houghton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total number of cases, and the total of tax and penalties received, where back duty has been recovered following investigations into under-assessment of taxes on income and profits for the 10 years to 31st March, 1954; and what progress has been made in overtaking arrears of suspected cases of fraud and evasion.

Mr. H. Brooke

During the 10 years to 31st March, 1954, 44,917 cases of under-assessment have been settled for a total sum of £70,874,284. These figures exclude the smaller cases of the class dealt with in paragraph 77 of the 96th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue. Steady progress is being made in disposing of outstanding cases.