HC Deb 10 May 1911 vol 25 cc1217-8
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked whether any, and, if any, which, of the Members of the Departmental Committee recently appointed to consider the relations between Imperial and local taxation were, prior to their appointment, known to the Government to be advocates of the taxation of land values in lieu of rates?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Government, in selecting the Members of the Departmental Committee, did not inquire into their opinions on political and economic questions.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to my question whether the Government were aware as to whether they were advocates of this particular kind of taxation or not?

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Was any similar enquiry made with regard to Lord Balfour of Burleigh's and other committees?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

No, I do not believe any Government appointing committees of this kind really enquires into anything beyond the question of whether they know something about local taxation, and whether their experience will be valuable in assisting the Government to come to a right conclusion.