HC Deb 01 December 1976 vol 921 cc187-8W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many extra staff are dealing with investigation into evasion of (a) income tax, (b) surtax, (c) capital gains tax and (d) corporation tax, compared with three years ago.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

It is not possible to give staffing figures relating to evasion of tax because all Inland Revenue staff concerned with the assessment and collection of tax look out for evasion as part of their ordinary duties. Details of tax recovered following investigations of under-assessments are given at Table 17 in the 118th Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue (Cmnd. 6302).

Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of income tax evasion due to moonlighting; and if this estimate is included in the figure of £744.7 million income tax outstanding at 31st October 1975.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

It is not possible to estimate the tax lost through evasion, whether by "moonlighting" or other means. The figure referred to by my hon. Friend therefore does not include any amount in respect of tax so lost.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual cost of those sections of Her Majesty's Treasury dealing with capital gain tax, income tax, surtax, and corporation tax evasion; and what amounts are recovered from taxpayers involved in evasion of those taxes.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

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