asked the Minister for Finance if he will state, in respect of the year 1952-53, the number of persons with incomes exceeding £8,000 assessedto surtax and the total income assessed of such persons.

The assessing of surtax for the year 1952-53 has not been completed and will not approach completion for some considerable time.

For the information of the Deputy I may say that the number of persons with incomes exceeding £8,000 who were assessed to surtax in respect of the previous year—1951-52—at 30 September, 1953, was 259 and the total income of such persons was £3,960,639. As the Special Commissioners continue to receive returns for 1951-52, these figures are subject to variation according as further assessments are made and existing ones adjusted.