Oxford University Press's failed claim in 1950 for exemption from Income Tax

THE BOARD ROOM
INLAND REVENUE
SOMERSET HOUSE

Reference: 1199/50

Oxford University Press

My dear Veale,

I have looked into the points you mentioned to me, but I am afraid that on the main question I don't see that I can help. As I see it we are bound to oppose any claim by the Oxford University Press for relief from income tax on its profits under section 24 Finance Act, 1927: it must be in competition with outside commercial firms over quite a wide field.

There are, however, some are other possibilities which the Delegates might wish to explore. On examining the papers we can see no reason why the Delegates should not claim (a) exemption from Schedule A tax on premises of the Oxford University Press which are owned by the University and (b) relief from income tax on investment income of the press is that income is free to be applied to the general charitable purposes of the University. Claims to these reliefs would be admissible subject to the usual six-year time limit laid down by statute.

Much as I should like to do so I could not pursue these abstruse points with the Delegates over the dinner table. I suggest that the Press should put their accountants in touch with our Claims Branch to see what might be done. If the Delegates agree, will you ask them to get their accountants to fix a meeting with Mr G. W. Booth, Chief Inspectors Office, Somerset House, W.C.2? (His telephone number is Temple Bar 5340, Extension 772.)

I return your notes.

Yours ever,

ERIC BAMFORD

The Registrar,
University Registry,
Oxford