§ MR. JEFFREYS (Hampshire, N.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state what amount was paid to the Local Taxation Account for England and Wales during each of the years 1898-9 and 1899-1900, from licences, estate duty, and beer and spirit surtaxes; what amount was payable under the Tithe Rent-charge Rating Act of 1899, in respect of the last half-year of 1899–1900, and the similar figures for the county of London; and if, after payment of the half rates on the tithe rent-charge, any less amount was paid to the Local Taxation Account for England and Wales or for the county of London than in the previous year.
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe amounts paid from licences, estate duty and beer and spirit surtaxes, were in 1898–9:—To the Local Taxation Account, England and Wales, £8,081,000; to the London County Council, £589,000. In the year 1899-1900 the amounts were £8,448,000 and £656,000 respectively. The amounts payable under the Tithe Rent-charge Act in respect of the last half year of 1899–1900 were £48,000 and £10,500 respectively. These amounts were, in accordance with the provisions of that Act, stopped on their way to the Local Taxation Account, and applied direct in relief of owners of tithe rent charge attached to benefices. Consequently, after payment of the half rates on tithe rent-charge, the Local Taxation Account gained in 1899–1900 a net increase of £367,000 as compared with the previous year, and the London County Council a net increase of £67,000.