The Chancellor of the Exchequerrose to move the postponement of the second reading of the Assessed Taxes Bill, which stood for that evening. In doing so he said he would avail himself of the opportunity of stating that in the committee of ways and means, on Wednesday next, he meant to refer the acts relating to the property tax to the said committee, for the purpose of moving the continuance of the same.
Mr. Fremantleasked whether it was proposed to submit any alteration either in the principle of the measure, or the mode of its application.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerreplied, that he did not intend to propose any alteration in the principle of the Bill. It would be open to any gentleman to suggest such modifications in the committee as he might deem advisable.
§ Mr. Hornerinquired, whether the right hon. gentleman meant to relinquish the assessed taxes, as well as to renew the property tax?
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, he should put off the consideration of the assessed taxes from day to day, until he learned whether the House would coincide in the propriety of a renewal of the property tax.
§ Mr. Whitbreadasked whether, under any circumstances of the country, the right hon. Gentleman meant to propose the renewal of the property tax? Did he mean to say that the revival of that measure would not depend upon any political arrangements that might be effected?
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, that in his view of the subject, whether this country were in a state of war, or of defensive and expensive pacification, the renewal of the property tax would be equally necessary for the public service.