HC Deb 17 June 1901 vol 95 cc539-40
MR. DALZIEL (Kirkcaldy)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have yet come to any decision in reference to the recommendations contained in Sir David Barbour's Report, and, if so, can he state when it will be communicated to the House.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN, Birmingham, W.)

The Report deals with a very large number of complicated and important details, and it will be evident to the hon. Member that an immediate decision is not required in the majority of cases. His Majesty's Government agree with the general principles laid down, and their application will be confided to Lord Milner, who will deal with them as opportunity arises. I cannot give a pledge that he will follow the Report in all particulars, and there are, of course, many points on which further information is required which can only be gained on the spot.

MR. DALZIEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope that we shall have the particulars of the decisions on the points as they arise?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

No, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman wishes information on any particular point I shall be glad to give it to him as far as it is in my power to do so. As I have pointed out before, in reference to resettlement in South Africa, it is a matter which is most involved, and which cannot be settled all at once.

MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)

Will the House have an opportunity of discussing this Report?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Certainly, Sir. The hon. Gentleman can discuss it on my salary.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare. E.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to inform the House as to whether the Government are in agreement with that portion of Sir David Barbour's Report which recommends that the tax on the mines shall be increased from five to ten per cent., and, if so, will that be done soon?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

We are in general agreement, as I have said, with the principle laid down that an increased tax on the profits of the mines should be imposed. But as the hon. Gentleman is aware, Sir David Barbour also recommends that a decrease of taxation should take place upon other articles.