§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYasked whether the right hon. Gentleman can give an estimate of the amount which he expects to receive from the new proposals with regard to the Increment Duty on minerals in this financial year and in subsequent years?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEMy right hon. Friend cannot undertake to indicate in detail the proportions in which this tax will be divided between the various forms of property to which it will be applicable under the proposals of the Finance Bill.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYHas the right hon. Gentleman any estimate of the yield of the tax under the new form which is suggested?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIt is not so much a question of giving an estimate, for which the Government would be held responsible if it were inaccurate, as of giving an approximate estimate. It can only be an approximate estimate.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYMay we have the approximate estimate in reference to the various classes of property?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe reason it is not given is that the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not think it advisable to give it.
§ Mr. LAURENCE HARDYCan we have some estimate which will enable us to judge of this?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIf the hon. Member will refer to the great many answers which have been given he will see the appropriate answer to the question he has just put.