HC Deb 30 June 1909 vol 7 cc384-5
Mr. GUEST

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the difficulty of accurately estimating the value of ungotten minerals, he would be prepared to consider an alternative tax on mineral-royalties?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend will be very glad to consider any such alternative proposals as may be laid before him which produce the same results.

Mr. GUEST

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider the desirability of introducing a fresh Resolution, as the Amendments which hon. Members desire to-move will be out of order, because they do not fall within the scope of the existing Resolution?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

It is not for me to say whether the Amendments will be out of order or not.

Mr. LAMBTON

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman two questions. In the first place, does he consider the mineral clauses of the Finance Bill are unworkable; and, secondly, will the Government make a statement on the subject before the House is asked to pass Clause 1?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I cannot answer the second question put to me. I think it had better be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this proposed change would penalise the man who does work his mine, and would continue to exempt the man who shuts his mine up?

Mr. J. D. REES

Does this apply to the halfpenny tax on undeveloped land?

Lord BALCARRES

In view of the announcement of the right hon. Gentleman-that he is prepared to abandon this tax, will he be so good as to request the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make a statement this afternoon as to that part of the mineral tax affected by Clause I?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The Noble Lord has attributed to me something which I have not said. All I have said is that my right hon. Friend would be very glad to consider any alternative proposal.

Mr. STEWART BOWLES

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would be ready to consider any alternative proposal having the same financial effect?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Yes.

Mr. PIKE PEASE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman will he press upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer the great importance of letting the House know whether there is to be a tax on mining royalties or not in view of the discussion to-day?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I am sure that the hon. Member is quite as capable of pressing the Chancellor of the Exchequer as I am.