22 DECEMBER 1950, Page 18

Where . the Taxes Go Snt,—In the Spectator of December 15th,

I find a note condemning the number of tax-evasions, and later on I find a paragraph quoting Mr. Nigel Birch's disclosure of some of the money wasted by the Govern- ment. Surely the latter answers the former. Few of us like to see a waste of money, and quite rightly there are some people who feel that their money would be better employed if kept in their own control. I entirely subscribe to this view, and I wish I was in a position in which I could follow their example.

Your note puts forward an idea to prevent tax-evasion by employing more officials at still higher salaries. This of course aggravates the situation by spending still more money unproductively. The real solution is very simple. Cut down Government expenditure and reduce taxes. In case my local Inland Revenue Officer should read this without approval, may I sign myself with, Sir, all the best wishes,