HC Deb 13 April 1910 vol 16 c1242
Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the non-collection of the Land Tax in the financial year 1909–10 is a breach of the law; and what steps does he propose to take in the interests of the public revenue with regard to the parties responsible for its collection who have failed to carry out their statutory duties?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd-George)

I am unable to accept the hon. Member's interpretation of the postponement of the collection of Land Tax for the financial year 1909–10 to the extent of £550,000 out of a total of £700,000 in all

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown upon the subject?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

No; I think it would be quite unnecessary. I hope the whole position will be regularised early next week, and it is hardly worth while to take that opinion.

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

Would it not be of importance to know whether the action of the Government has been conducive to a breach of the law during the last few months?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I invite the hon. Gentleman to take any opinion he likes upon that subject.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

May I ask how the right hon. Gentleman thinks it will be regularised next week?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I have no doubt the right hon. Gentleman will be in a position to make his views clear on the matter, and I shall make mine clear next week. I do not think it is desirable to discuss it.

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

Does he mean by the passing of the Resolution? What else is there?

Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE

I think the right hon. Gentleman will see it is not necessary to discuss it.