HC Deb 23 April 1903 vol 121 c255

But, Sir, what the Committee wants to know is, how much is coming off? Some people are prophesying that it is going to be a penny. [An HON. MMEMBER: "No, no."] My hon. friend says "No." Will he take 2d? [Cries of "No."] Would he like 3d? [Hear, hear.] Well, I propose to take off 4d. Apparently, fourpence off the Income Tax nearly absorbs the whole of my surplus, but that is not the case. A reduction is never wholly felt in the year in which it is made. I am told that the amount by which my income will be reduced by this remission in the current year is not £10,400,000, but £8,500,000. Fortunately I have a set-off in certain non-recurrent charges in the Army Votes which will provide me with sufficient funds to meet the extra deficiency which will fall upon next year. The whole amount comes to £10,100,000, and this year £8,500,000, so that there will be about £2,000,000 remaining.

SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT (Monmouthshire, W.)

Then it will be £10,000,000 next year?

MR. RITCHIE

Taking off 4d. costs £8,500,000 this year, and nearly £2,000,000 more next year.