§ MR. ALDERMAN LAWRENCEsaid, he wished to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, If he is aware that persons in the 1476 country districts who keep one horse and a phaeton, or a wagonette, to let for hire, and pay the Post Horse Duty of £5 per annum, if they use the same horse and vehicle occasionally for the conveyance of their wives and families are now charged, in addition, with the Assessed Taxes of £3 1s. per annum, making the total annual charge for Duty on one horse and one vehicle £8 1s. per annum; and, if he is so aware, whether he will provide a remedy for this grievance?
§ MR. SCLATER-BOOTHsaid, in reply, that it was undoubtedly true that the alleged grievance existed, and it was a subject of frequent complaint. It must be recollected, however, that the post horse duty was paid really by the public, who used the post horse and carriage, so that the proprietor was re-imbursed by the amount he got from the hirer. The assessed taxes the persons referred to in the Question only paid in common with other members of the community for the luxury they enjoy.