§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONasked whether the Government had under consideration the propriety of abolishing at the earliest possible date the import duty on corn now levied in Malta?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State regrets that in the present position of the finances of Malta it is not possible for him now to agree to surrender any of the existing sources of revenue.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONUnder what authority was this tax laid, and when was it laid?
§ Colonel SEELYIt was laid, I think, in 1837, at the beginning of the late reign, and it has been acquiesced in ever since.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a very strong protest is made against it as a grievous burden.
§ Colonel SEELYYes; but on grounds which would not commend themselves to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. J. M. ROBERTSONAm I to understand that the Government refuses to consider the propriety of abolishing this tax?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State, in the present position of the finances, finds it impossible to consider the matter now. We do not approve of a corn tax anywhere or at any time.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEDoes not the position of the revenue here require the impo- 514 sition of some fresh taxes of a similar nature?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a long way from the question on the Paper.