From Dr N. P. Hudd
Sir, - In pouring shame on tax-avoiding corporations, Canon
Geoff Daintree (Comment, 24
October) has perhaps missed a central point, one unconsidered
by, probably, a majority of critics. The legal issue is clear in
every jurisdiction affected. But is there actually a moral issue at
all? That is, many will be astonished to hear me say, far from
evident.
The many strictures that Canon Daintree applies to the situation
apply to us all - but to us all as individuals. It behoves us, as
he says, to support our governments in all that they do, not only
for the weak, but to enhance all our lives. A corporation, however,
has no actual physical existence. It exists only in the individuals
who constitute it, all of whom, presumably, pay tax as individuals,
on income and expenditure, whether employees, directors,
shareholders, etc.
All have an income that is taxed, and any corporate profit not
so distributed is that used in research and/or development, to the
benefit of employment and society at large. The individuals then
are taxed again when they spend their money (a dual taxation itself
of questionable morality). Now, all governments do tax
corporations, but, as far as one can see, it is only on the basis
that they will tax anything that they can get away with taxing,
again a matter of questionable probity.
The basis of taxing corporations is a legal one, and it is very
doubtful that complying with the letter of those laws has any moral
dimension at all. It is impossible to fail to comply with the
spirit of a law if you are doing just what it says, and I see
nothing in the teachings of Jesus which applies to this issue. The
behaviour of individuals is a totally different matter. We should
be railing at our political masters, who, generation after
generation, fail to reduce our tax system to words of one
syllable.
Whether or not I approve of the overweening arrogance of the
large corporations is, again, a totally different issue, which
would probably incinerate this paper were I to address it now.
N. P. HUDD
13 Elmfield, Tenterden
Kent TN30 6RE
From Mr Robert Leach
Sir, - When Canon Geoff Daintree rails against tax avoidance,
does he realise that he and his fellow clergy are probably the
biggest group of tax avoiders in this country?
More than half the remuneration package of the clergy comprises
free housing and a non-contributory pension fund, both
tax-free.
ROBERT LEACH
Chartered accountant
19 Chestnut Avenue
Ewell, Epsom
Surrey KT19 0SY