§ MR. H. S. WRIGHT (Nottingham, S.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether the occupiers of "houseboats" on the river Thames, or on other rivers in the United Kingdom, are exempt from both local and Imperial taxation in respect of such "houseboats;" and, whether he will consider the expediency of imposing Licence Duties on such boats according to their tonnage?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)The occupants of house-boats on the River Thames are not liable to Imperial taxation in respect of them, and there is not, I think, any occasion to impose taxation, because the amount that would be collected would be insignificant. I understand that under the bye-laws of the Thames Conservancy, and under Section II. of the Thames Preservation Act, 1885, it is intended to charge registration fees with respect to these house-boats.
§ MR. DIXON-HARTLAND (Middlesex, Uxbridge)asked the President of the Local Government Board how many the house-boats on the Thames numbered? Were there more than 60 or 70 all told?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. RITCHIE),in reply, said, that he did not know the number.