§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERMr. Speaker—I am anxious to make a short announcement to the House. Notwithstanding the divisions that have occurred on the subject, Her Majesty's Government have observed with regret that the proposition made by the Government for placing a tax on matches has excited considerable dissatisfaction and disapprobation in many quarters of this House. They are at all times, as far as they can, without materially damaging or departing from their policy, anxious to conform to the wishes of the House; and I have therefore to announce that the measure with regard to matches will not be proceeded with further. The other Resolutions will be proceeded with on Thursday next.
§ MR. DISRAELIAs the right hon. Gentleman has announced that the proposed tax on matches is withdrawn, of course its withdrawal will occasion a considerable lacuna in the Ways and Means, and I beg leave to ask whether, before proceeding with his other Resolutions, the right hon. Gentleman will make a statement as to the mode in which he proposes to meet the deficiency?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI think, Sir, the request of the right hon. Gentleman is perfectly reasonable, and I shall be prepared on Thursday next to make the statement he suggests.
§ MR. DISRAELIAfter the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, which in complete form will be a new Budget, of course time will be given to consider the whole, and we shall not be asked to come to a Resolution on any of the items of the previous Budget.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI shall ask the House to go into Committee for the purpose of considering the Resolutions before it—on the income tax and legacy and probate duties. Whether the House will be pleased to do so after I have made the statement the right hon. Gentleman requests will, of course, be for them to decide; but I will press these Resolutions.