HC Deb 02 May 1881 vol 260 cc1537-8
CAPTAIN AYLMER

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can supply the House with any figures to bear out the estimate given in his Budget Sheet, that the proposed More accurate method of measurement and the establishment of a more perfect equality between different kinds of spirits will produce an increase of revenue amounting to £180,000; and, whether it would not be more correct to estimate said increase at a sum nearer £1,000,000?

MR. GLADSTONE

I have no hesitation in saying that to estimate the increase in the Revenue from the source referred to in the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question at £1,000,000, or even at £500,000, would be grossly incorrect. This is a matter in which the Government must place dependence upon the judgment of practical officers, who are perfectly accustomed to the work. The substitution of an accurate for an inaccurate method is quite within the range of their competency and judgment; and I have no reason to think that their estimate of the result is not substantially correct. The representation made to me has been that the amount of increase will be rather less than the figures I stated in my Budget speech.