HC Deb 25 June 1868 vol 192 cc2136-7
THE O'DONOGHUE

said, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If the Government, having regard to their declaration that it is their intention to introduce a Bill for the general valuation of Ireland next year, have instructed the Revenue Department not to enforce an arbitrary rule for fixing the charge for licences in Ireland, based on an admittedly unequal valuation?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, in reply, that he was not aware of any formal undertaking of the Government to introduce a Bill next year. He had stated that he thought it desirable one should be introduced in due course, but he was not aware that he gave any distinct promise. No instructions had been sent to the Revenue Department in accordance with the suggestion of the hon. Gentleman, nor were any instructions of that nature required; because, as he had formerly stated in answer to a Question, persons who complained had a remedy in their own hands. They were able to go to the Office and demand a re-valuation; and if they did so and proved that they had paid too high a duty the excess would be returned to them.