HC Deb 01 May 1890 vol 343 cc1835-6
MR. MARUM (Kilkenny, N.)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the circumstance that the realty of England, Wales, and Scotland has rapidly risen in value, especially during the last 20 years, and is still rising, whilst the taxable basis of local taxation have remained stationary, and are 50 per cent, under present actual values; that the realty of Ireland is diminishing in value to the extent that the [...] taxable basis is now higher than actual values, as determined by the Irish Land Commission tribunals; whether the incidence of local taxation in Ireland is at present relatively heavier than that of those other kingdoms or divisions of the United Kingdom; and whether, in view of the above and of the proposed syndication of the local taxes of Ireland, or portion thereof, under the provisions of the Purchase of Land and Congested Districts (Ireland) Bill, Her Majesty's Government are prepared to re-adjust such unequal incidence of local taxation by establishing an uniform taxable basis and uniform rating thereunder throughout the United Kingdom, or by correlative Imperial contributions in aid or otherwise, before such provisions shall become operative, or to grant an inquiry whether such proposed asset of hypothecation is a fair and equal burden upon Ireland for such purpose?

*MR. GOSCHEN

The hon. Member has kindly given me private notice of his question; and I think he will be satisfied that the points he raises could be better dealt with in Committee on the Irish Land Purchase Bill than in an answer to a question across the floor of the House.