HC Deb 13 April 1905 vol 145 c84
MR. O'MARA (Kilkenny, S.)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what percentage proportions of revenue derived from direct and indirect taxes respectively bear to the total revenue of Ireland and Great Britain taken separately.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,) Worcestershire, E.

In the financial year 1903–4—the latest for which the figures, are available—the proportions of tax revenue derived from direct and indirect taxes in Great Britain and Ireland respectively are estimated to have been—

Direct Taxes. Indirect Taxes.
Great Britain 50.6 per cent. 49.4 per cent.
Ireland 27.8 per cent. 72.2 per cent.
MR. HERBERT SAMUEL (Yorkshire, Cleveland)

Does that include money raised by the Exchequer on the Local Taxation Account?

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I think it does.

MR. O'MARA

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider a system of taxation fair under which the Irish people pay 72 per cent. of indirect taxation?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is a matter of opinion.