– in the House of Commons at on 6 March 1929.
Mr John Bromley
, Barrow-in-Furness
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer why certain inspectors of taxes have issued a circular to widows in receipt of the old age pension asking them if they pay Income Tax?
Mr Arthur Samuel
, Farnham
I have no knowledge of any such circular, but, if the hon. Member will send me a copy of the circular to which he refers, I will cause inquiry to be made and will communicate the result to him in due course.
Mr John Bromley
, Barrow-in-Furness
If I am able to supply the hon. Gentleman with the information he seeks, will he undertake to endeavour to see that the inspectors of taxes pay more attention to those who are known to have large incomes and are now appearing so frequently in the Courts, rather than badger old working women of 80?
Mr Arthur Samuel
, Farnham
I do not admit the hon. Member's premise. I do not admit the issue of any such circular as is referred to. If it was issued I do not know of it, and have never seen it.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
