§ MR. CHARLES ALLEN (Gloucestershire, Stroud)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the Transvaal Law, No. 22, 1899, whereby a tax of 30 per cent. in some cases and 50 per cent. in others placed on the gross yield of gold from the mines in the South African Republic, has been repealed; and, if not, whether its provisions are being at the present time enforced.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I understand that this law has now been repealed. As far as I know it was never put in force by the Government of the late South African Republic. The question of the taxation to be levied in future on the gold industry is being considered by Lord Milner and His Majesty's Government.
§ MR. CHARLES ALLENWill the right hon. Gentleman give me the date of the repeal?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINI am unable to do that.
§ MR. CHARLES ALLENWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINCertainly, if the hon. Member desires to have that special information. I have had to telegraph to Lord Milner for the information I have given, but I do not think his reply, which I have not with me here, contains the date.