HC Deb 29 June 1896 vol 42 cc266-7
MR. JOSEPH A. PEASE (Northumberland, Tyneside)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he is now in a position to say when a Committee or Commission will be appointed to inquire into the subject of the incidence of Local and Imperial Taxation, as between movable and immovable property; and, whether the proposed Inquiry will extend to urban as well as to rural districts?

MR. F. A. CHANNING (Northampton, E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he can now state what will be the form of the proposed Inquiry into the incidence of the local and Imperial taxation on the several classes of rateable property, and when the Inquiry will be begun?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

The Committee has not been finally appointed, but the reference to the Committee is settled, and the reference is as follows:— To inquire into the present system under which taxation is raised for local purposes, and report whether all kinds of real and personal property contribute equitably to such taxation, and, if not, what alterations in the law are desirable in order to secure that result.

MR. CHANNING

Am I to understand that this will be a Select Committee of the House of Commons?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir; it will be a Commission.

MR. J. H. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy Burghs)

Will the Inquiry be limited to England?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

No, Sir; it will be a general Inquiry.