§ Mr. Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why barristers are allowed to keep the last year of their earnings before retirement free of tax; by what authority this is done; and whether he will introduce amending legislation to enable all of Her Majesty's subjects the same privilege, or otherwise alter these provisions to ensure that barristers receive no special tax privileges.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftThe Income Tax of barristers ceasing practice, like that of other trades and professions, is calculated in accordance with the normal provisions of the Income Tax Acts. Barristers' fees are, however, not earnings 223W for which they can sue, and it is necessary always to assess barristers on a cash receipts basis. Fees received by barristers after the source of the income has ceased are accordingly not assessable to tax. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's Question, I cannot anticipate my Budget statement.