HC Deb 06 May 1909 vol 4 cc1190-1
Mr. PEEL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated yield of the duty of ½d. in the pound on undeveloped land in 1910–11 and in subsequent years?

The HON. MEMBER

had also given notice of the following question: To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated yield of the duty of ½d. in the pound on ungotten minerals in 1910–11 and in subsequent years?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I will answer these two questions together. I propose shortly to circulate a Paper giving full particulars, so far as it is possible to give them, of the estimated yield of the proposed new taxes.

Mr. PEEL

What is the estimated maximum?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

We cannot state the estimated maximum in regard to any tax. The estimated maximum might be hundreds of years hence. I can only give the estimate with which we are dealing for next year.

Mr. RENWICK

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is intended to charge ½d. in the £ on minerals which are ungotten in mines which are being worked or simply upon royalties not opened up?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

That is again really a question which the Finance Bill will answer. I cannot go into all these details now. When hon. Members see the Bill they will see that it is a complete answer to all these questions.

Mr. STANLEY WILSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state at what price coal has been assessed in estimating its yield under the new duty of ½d. in the pound on ungotten minerals?

The HON. MEMBER

also had the following question on the Notice Paper: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a Memorandum showing the basis upon which he has arrived at the estimated yield of the new taxes upon ungotten minerals and undeveloped land.

The following questions stood in the name of Mr. CARLILE:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the £175,000 to be derived from the duty of ½d. in the pound on ungotten minerals will be drawn from England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the £175,000 to be raised by the duty of ½d. in the pound on ungotten minerals will be derived from coal, tin, copper, and ironstone respectively.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state how much of the £175,000 to be received under the new duty of ½d. in the pound on undeveloped land will be drawn from England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively.

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I will answer all these questions at the same time. The estimated yield of the new taxes on land is necessarily to some extent conjectural, and I do not see my way to give the details asked for by the hon. Members.