§ MR. BYRON REED (Bradford, E.)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether his attention has been called to the propriety and expediency of levying a Stamp Duty upon bills, posters, placards, and such like mural advertisements; and, whether he will consider the desirability of substituting such an impost for the proposed tax upon wheels?
§ MR. CAVENDISH BENTINCK (Whitehaven)also asked, Whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider the expediency of levying a small tax upon advertisement posters, according to a principle which has been in force in several Foreign States for many years past?
§ MR. CAUSTON (Southwark, W.)Before the Chancellor of the Exchequer answers that Question, may I ask whether it is in the knowledge of the Government that the Conservative candidate for Holborn has pledged himself to vote against the Van and Wheel Tax?
§ THE CHANCELLOR, OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The latter Question is rather an improper one. In reply to the Questions which are on the Paper, I may say that numerous suggestions have been made to me to impose such a tax as that which is suggested by the hon. Member; and I do not say there are not arguments to be used in favour of such a tax: but I must frankly add that the difficulties of persuading the public to accept new taxation are such as not to encourage me to adopt any of those suggestions.