§ Sir R. Russellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the amount of tax levied on inventors in Great Britain who are paid, £50,000, £100,000, £150,000 and £200,000, respectively, for the ownership of an invention compares with that levied on similar sums in Canada, Australia. New Zealand, South Africa, the United States of America, Japan, and the countries of the European Economic Community and the European Free Trade Association, from information available to him from international sources.
§ Mr. Harold LeverSuch a comparison would not be meaningful without taking into account the tax code of each country as it affects both payer and payee, since the tax treatment of both is likely to affect the amount of the payment. The hon. Member will be aware that our tax code provides for receipts of this kind to be taxed as if they were spread over a number of years.