asked the Minister for Finance whether any change is contemplated in the methods of company taxation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Company Taxation.
61.
The Government, in a White Paper on direct taxation published some years ago, indicated their interest in this whole question of company taxation, which is under examination today in many other countries also. An intensive study of the principles involved has been carried out here and a comprehensive statistical survey is being undertaken of all companies—their capital structure, profits, growth, investment policy, dividends, etc. I am not yet in a position to make any definite statement pending the outcome of this survey.
Does the Minister think that these investigations will tend to bring in a corporations profit tax?
I would be inclined to think they would. In most countries the tendency is that way.
In this investigation would the Minister bear in mind the practices in some of the EEC countries?
We have carried out a very detailed and comprehensive examination of the system obtaining in all EEC countries.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
May I finish these?
If the House agrees.