HC Deb 18 May 1888 vol 326 cc682-3
MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, What grants the Government propose to give to Scotland in aid of local taxation for the current year; whether the Government grants will continue to be distributed as formerly to lunatic poor, medical relief, and police; whether the grant to roads from Imperial taxation will be continued, or only from local taxation; and, if so, from what sources; and, if he will state the probable amounts estimated as accruing from half the Probate Duty or Horse and Wheel Tax?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that the case stands as follows:—The grants for pauper lunatics, medical relief, and police will continue this year on the old footing. The grant for main roads from Imperial taxation will be discontinued; but in lieu thereof an amount equivalent to the double grant made last year—£70,000—will form a first charge upon the receipts from the new taxes, and from the portion of Probate Duty handed over to the locality. This portion will be this year one-third, and is estimated to produce £156,200. Next year the half will be given, or about £235,000. I estimate that the Horse and Van Taxes will produe £74,000, or thereabouts, in Scotland.

MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman had yet made up his mind to introduce the Wheel Tax into Scotland, in opposition to the almost unanimous opinion of this side of the House?

MR. GOSCHEN

I cannot say that there is an unanimous opinion against it—not even in Scotland.

MR. HUNTER

I said on this side of the House.

MR. GOSCHEN

I think not.

MR. HUNTER

Almost.

MR. GOSCHEN

said, that was a matter for later discussion. The case stood thus at present: No final decision had been taken; and it appeared to him it would depend on the application of the sum raised whether it should be introduced into Scotland or not. If some extremely desirable mode of relief of local taxation in general was proposed by the Scotch authorities, he thought that might modify the view that was taken. If, on the other hand, there was no special favourite suggestion for its application, then hon. Members would prefer that it should not be applied at all.

MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)

gave Notice that on the Motion for Adjournment he should ask for further information with respect to the proposal to introduce the Cart and Wheel Tax into Scotland.