§ MR. PELLasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether, as the promise of an important readjustment of local finance cannot now be realized, a Ministerial statement of local revenue and expenditure will be made at the next stage of the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, so as to complete the information necessary for a review of the entire taxation of the Country?
§ MR. DODSONSir, last year, in answer to a Question resembling this one, the Prime Minister said that the Annual Statement with regard to Local Finance could not be conveniently made in connection with the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, as it would lead to a confusion of matters which, in a Parliamentary sense, are quite distinct. That answer is equally applicable now; but, should a favourable opportunity present itself during the Session, I shall be happy to make a statement on the subject to which the hon. Member's Question refers.
§ MR. PELLgave Notice that, in consequence of that answer of the right hon. Gentleman, he should, on going into Committee on the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill, move that the House should not resolve itself into Committee on the Bill until authentic information respecting Local Revenue should be afforded to the House by means of a Ministerial Statement.