§ MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he will have a census taken of the number of vehicles in the Metropolitan area taxable under the Budget Resolution?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)I cannot give an absolute pledge on the subject. I should propose that no person should pay for more vans than the number of horses which he keeps. I shall endeavour to ascertain the number of horses now kept for trade purposes in the Metropolis. I will lay Papers on the Table of the House showing the number of trade horses which existed and paid duty formerly, so far as to enable the hon. Gentleman and his Friends to form some conclusion on the matter.
§ MR. CAUSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman going back to 14 years ago? I anticipated that he might have referred to the source whence his information as to the number of horses would be derived?
§ MR. GOSCHENThere are several sources whence the information might be derived. If the hon. Member will look to the progress generally during the last 14 years he will be able to form an estimate of the number of trade horses to-day, precisely in the same manner as an estimate is formed of the increase of population.