HC Deb 04 April 1910 vol 16 cc11-2
Mr. SANDERS

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he was aware that the Somerset County Council had been unable to obtain the instalment of whisky money usually paid in January; and if he would state the reason why the payment of that instalment was refused?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

Owing to a decrease in the yield of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties, the amounts payable into the Local Taxation Account as the equivalent of the proceeds of the English share of those duties in respect of the financial year just ended is smaller than usual and consequently the instalment which has generally been paid to county and county borough councils in the month of January could not be paid in the present year. A letter on the subject was sent by the Board to the Somerset County Council on the 31st ultimo.

Lord BALCARRES

Does this apply to all counties with equivalent rates?

Mr. BURNS

I assume it would apply to all counties, but only four or five are in the same position as the Somerset County Council.

Mr. GEORGE YOUNGER

Will the right hon. Gentleman exercise his great influence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to postpone the matter?

Mr. BURNS

I will communicate that view to him.

Mr. SANDERS

Are we to assume that we are not to get an instalment at all?

Mr. BURNS

Not necessarily. I have issued a circular, a copy of which I shall be pleased to give the hon. Member.