HC Deb 26 July 1860 vol 160 cc210-1
MR. BRIGHT

I suppose, Sir, that some night the question of the Duties upon Spirits will be brought forward again. I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is his intention to ask the House to enact those duties permanently, or only for a year. With reference to recent transactions, I should think that that was an important consideration.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, the proposal which has been made by the Government is for a permanent addition to the Spirit Duties. Of course, it will be competent to any hon. Member to move any Amendment in Committee on the Bill.

MR. BRIGHT

The right hon. Gentleman does not understand my meaning. I did not intend to ask whether the addition would be permanent, that is, should continue as long as the Spirit Duties last, but whether in the Bill the tax upon Spirits would be made an annual tax, so that it should come under the review of the House next Session; because I presume that, after what has taken place, that will be the course which the House will in future adopt with regard to all new taxes.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

The question of the hon. Member is more extensive than I had supposed. The Bill as it now stands, without any limit of time, will have the effect of enacting the Spirit Duties permanently.