HC Deb 15 March 1993 vol 221 cc100-1W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of fraud perpetrated by failure to declare earnings from the sale of skins of animals caught by hunting; what plans he has to ensure that all such unpaid tax will be collected from the individuals concerned; and what investigations have been carried out in this area by the Inland Revenue.

Mr. Dorrell

Failure to declare earnings may constitute neglect rather than fraud. But the Inland Revenue is committed to ensuring, wherever possible, that tax due in law is properly paid. This includes tax on income from the sale of animal skins, and inquiries are presently being made in some individual cases.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what evidence he has received from the League against Cruel Sports on tax frauds in connection with the sale of animal skins.

Mr. Dorrell

The Inland Revenue has recently received information from the League against Cruel Sports about the possible failure by members of hunts to declare income from the sale of animal skins. Inquiries are being made as appropriate but it is not yet clear whether, in individual cases, any fraudulent or negligent conduct is involved.