§ MR. BOTTOMLEY (Hackney, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state for what purpose the trophy tax is levied in the city of London; whether, in some cases, its payment has been refused; and what steps, if any, have been taken to enforce its collection.
§ MR. HALDANEThe trophy tax has hitherto been levied to defray the expense of raising the men to serve in the Militia of the City of London, and for all other incidental charges relating thereto, such as providing the necessary accommodation. Under Clause 39 of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, which was inserted at the wish of the Commissioners of Lieutenancy, the tax may be applied to the special reserve battalion corresponding to the Royal London Militia and for the purposes of any of the powers and duties of the County Association for the City of London at the discretion of the Commissioners of Lieutenancy. The tax is levied by the local authorities and the War Office has no cognisance of the mode of collection.