§ MR. CHAPLIN (Lincolnshire, Sleaford)I wish to put a Question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to the proposed Horse Tax, Whether the tax of £1 to be placed on certain horses will include ponies; and, if, not, under what height those animals are to be exempted from the tax? I wish to ask, further, whether the tax of £5 on racehorses will include horses ridden in steeplechases?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)As my right hon. Friend warned us on this Bench last night that we scarcely knew the difference between a horse and a cow, it would be most imprudent on my part to answer any Questions without taking measures for consulting with those who are intimately acquainted with the details of steeple-chasing and horse-racing. My right hon. Friend was not able to give me Notice of the Question; but I will take care that the whole question as to the breeding of horses shall be most carefully considered. With regard to the question of ponies, I shall put them precisely on the same footing as when the old Horse Tax was in force—that is to say, they will have to pay.