§ Sir WILLIAM PRIESTLEYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that an Income Tax Act was passed by the Parliament of Queensland in 1902 by which British companies and firms doing business in Queensland, either directly or through an agent, are rendered liable to pay Income Tax on a sum equal to 5 per cent. of the total amount of sales made by them in that Colony; if so, when did the Act commence and when was it first put into operation against British companies and firms; and whether any, and what, steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to see that the interests of British traders are not prejudicially affected?
Mr. HARCOURTThe Act apparently came into operation on 1st December, 1902, the date of the Governor's assent, but I have no information as to the extent to which the provisions referred to have been enforced. Representations have recently been received from several chambers of commerce which have been brought to the notice of the Queensland Government, but I am unable to interfere with the discretion of that Government in the matter.