Does the returns inwards affect the debtors control account in the general ledger?

Yes, returns inwards affect the debtors control account in the general ledger. When goods are returned by customers, it results in a reduction of accounts receivable, which is reflected in the debtors control account. This decrease is typically recorded as a debit entry to the returns inwards account and a corresponding credit entry to the debtors control account, thereby adjusting the total amount owed by customers.