HC Deb 30 August 1909 vol 10 c25
Sir GILBERT PARKER

asked the Prime Minister if he will grant a Return showing the total estimate revenue, the total revenue received, the total net revenue available for services of the State after rebates, deductions, etc., and the actual cost of collection in each year, from 1875 to the present year?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The information which the hon. Member desires is contained in a readily available form in the Finance Accounts of the United Kingdom for each year, and I do not think that the publication of specially arranged abstracts of figures, which are already available, serves any purpose of sufficient public utility to justify the labour and expense involved in their preparation. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer regrets, therefore, that he does not see his way to granting such a Return.