HC Deb 26 May 1908 vol 189 cc946-7
MR. JAMES HOPE (Sheffield, Central)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can say what would be the approximate yield to the Exchequer, on the basis of the imports of 1907, if the Indian Customs tariff were introduced into the fiscal system of the United Kingdom.

MR. HAROLD COX

Does the Indian tariff reduce the taxes on a large number of raw materials?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE,) Carnarvon Boroughs

It would be impossible to answer the hon. Member's Question without elaborate calculations involving the expenditure of considerable time and trouble, and I am afraid that the result would not be of sufficient value to justify me in directing such calculations to be made.

MR. JAMES HOPE

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman work it out by next April?

MR. LLOYD-GEORGE

Perhaps the hon. Member would like to try his hand?

MR. JAMES HOPE

With the assistance of the right hon. Gentleman.