§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount which he estimates the new Licence Duties 1380 will yield in Great Britain, and, having regard to its taxable capacity being at least twenty times greater than that of Ireland, what amount would be a fair contribution from Ireland; whether the amount of Ireland's fair proportion is above or below the total Licence Duty at present levied in Ireland; and how much?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe estimated yield or the Increased Licence Duties in Great Britain is £2,496,000, and in Ireland £104,000, or about 1–24th. Of the total revenue derived from licences in 1908–9 (£3,114,000) Ireland contributed £214,000, as against £2,900,000 contributed by Great Britain, or rather more than 1–13th. I am unable to say how either of these proportions would compare with the relative taxable capacity of the two portions of the United Kingdom either as a whole or with reference to the particular trades and articles of consumption affected by the duties.
§ Mr. H. BELLOCMay I take it that the figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given are based on the present provisions of the Bill?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI think so, Sir.