§ SIR GEORGE JENKINSONsaid, he wished to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If the Government intend to introduce any measure next Session to grant relief to the Agricultural Class in relation to the Malt Tax?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, as a preliminary matter, I do not admit that an alteration in the Malt Tax would be any considerable relief to the agricultural class. My belief is, that one portion of any such benefit would go to the owners of land, and the other to the consumers of beer, little or none going to the farmers. 1248 Having made that preliminary caveat, I decline to answer as to my intentions with regard to measures having relation to taxation in next Session until the proper time comes for me to make my financial statement.