Minister dodges ‘cash-in-hand’ question

A government minister who said paying tradesmen cash-in-hand is “morally wrong” was unable to confirm he has never done so himself.

Treasury minister David Gauke last night said his comments had not been directed at homeowners who paid tradesmen or window cleaners in cash. He said he was only aiming his attack at people who ask for a discount if they pay in cash — knowing that as a result taxes would not be paid on the bill.

Asked on BBC’s Newsnight programme whether or not he had ever paid a worker in cash, Mr Gauke said: “I’ve never said to a tradesman, ‘If I pay you cash can I get a discount?’ No.”

Asked if any of his colleagues had, he replied: “I don’t know.”