§ Lord Henry Pettymoved the further consideration of the report of this bill.
§ Mr. Huskissonwished the noble lord to be more explicit in his explanation of his measure. When he proposed an increase of the property tax, the noble lord thought that no allowance should be made in it for the number of children, and now it was impossible to discover, whether he proposed this abatement in consideration of the pressure of the property tax, the assessed taxes, or the taxes generally. One thing was certain, that this would make a very great diminution, to the extent of 2 or 300,000l. in the produce of the revenue upon the permanent taxes. The assessments afforded no criterion of a man's income, and the bill should properly state the principle on which it proceeded. The surplus of the consolidated fund was a security against any defalcations: but by this exemption, it would be considerably diminished. The noble lord found himself under the necessity of adding 1,200,000l. to the permanent taxes; and, by this measure, he would increase the charge upon them, without having made any further provision for it. If the war should cease, the noble lord might be induced to repeal the property tax, and this deduction would operate on that part of the consolidated fund, upon which there were permanent charges. He stated his intention to propose a clause for remedying this inconvenience.
§ Lord H. Pettyremarked, that when he proposed the additional property tax, the gentlemen on the other side seemed to wish the exemptions to be continued as before; but he thought it objectionable, as well upon general principles, as in its application to the execution of that tax. This mode also was not entirely consistent with what he conceived to be the general principles of taxation; but he adopted it, as being less objectionable in practice than the other. He held it to be the most blameable and mischievous of all delusions, to hold out exemptions, which could not be realized, on account of the difficulties and impediments that. might be thrown in their way, which could not happen in this case. He had no objection to explain, that the principle of this allowance arose out of the general pressure of taxation upon the people of this 879 country, and he did not wish to limit it as to time, but to let it remain, while that pressure continued. It was true, that some inequalities would necessarily exist in it; but if it were made general. it would lead to that delusion, which he was desirous of avoiding. As to the diminution it would occasion, that would be made up by the surplus upon other taxes, and the consolidated fund would be secured by giving it a credit in the war taxes.
§ Mr. Huskissonstill objected to the diverting of any part or the permanent taxes, for the purpose of relief from the pressure of the temporary taxes. He concluded by moving a clause, by which it was provided that a sum equal to the amount of the exemption should be paid into the consolidated fund out of the property tax—Lord H. Petty agreed to this amendment, and the bill was ordered to be read a third time the next day.