§ Mr. PRETYMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he still adheres to his estimate of the cost of valuation for the land taxes as two millions; if not, what is his revised estimate; can he now state how long he expects it will take to complete this valuation; and, if so, can he give any figures or p0articulars on which his estimate of time is based?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and consequently the second part does not arise. With regard to the third and fourth parts, I cannot at the present stage add anything to the information which was given to the House on this subject by my right, hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 11th August, 1909.
§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman still satisfied that these duties will produce enough to replace the whisky money lost by the local educational authority?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThat hardly arises on this question, but I certainly think they will. In any event, I will give a guarantee that the amount will be made good whether the taxes produce that amount or not.
§ Mr. PRETYMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in ascertaining the annual value of the land for the purposes of Schedule A, Undeveloped Land Duty paid in respect of the land may be deducted; whether it is intended to levy Undeveloped Land Duty for the financial year 1909–10; and, if so, whether (as such duty, not having yet been ascertained, cannot be deducted before the tax for 1909–10 is paid) an allowance will be made when the duty is levied for the tax overpaid?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the second part in the affirmative. The third part of the question does not arise.