§ 47. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Prime Minister if he will give time for a discussion of Part III of the Finance Act, 1931, or, failing a decision of the House, will he direct a suspension of land valuation activities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot arrange to give special facilities for such a discussion. As regards the second part of the question, I can add nothing to the answers which have been given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this subject.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of his supporters, hon. Members of this House, cannot assent to a continuance of these Land Values Duties without stultifying themselves in the eyes of their constituents?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere are others who also require to suffer a good deal of stultification, but a debate of one day or any length of time would not alter the legal situation.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Lord Privy Seal on the matter?
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay we have an answer as to when this statement is to be made?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question should be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSWill the right hon. Gentleman implement the suggestion contained in the original question without discussion, as he considers discussion waste of time?
§ 73. Mr. THOMAS COOKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of officials at present employed in order to operate Part III of the Finance Act, 1931, and the weekly cost to the Exchequer of their employment?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe number of officials at present employed is 716. The present weekly cost to the Exchequer is approximately £2,750.
§ Mr. COOKIs the House to understand that that expenditure is to be incurred until the next Budget?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINPerhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to await the statement that I promised to make to the House.