asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether his attention has been called to the unfairness of deducting Income Tax from the pay of civil servants six months in advance of the general public; and, as this is causing serious financial embarrassment to many temporary civil servants, he will, in future legislation, consider placing such servants on the same plane as the public?

I have received representations in this matter, but I regret that I cannot see my way to propose any alteration of the law directed to changing the long-established system under which Income Tax in respect of Civil Service pay and other remuneration payable out of public funds is deducted as and when payment is made. Special consideration is given by the taxation authorities to cases in which it is represented that the amount of the normal Income Tax deductions would cause serious financial embarrassment with a view to spreading the deductions over an extended period.