HC Deb 15 July 1912 vol 41 cc30-1
48. Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether, in view of the fact that, a Lord of the Treasury has been appointed as an ex-officio Member of the Committee to deal with the question of land reform by means of taxation, he is prepared to make any statement as to the policy of the Government with regard to the further taxation of land values?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 6th ultimo.

Mr. NEWMAN

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the point about an official Member of the Treasury being appointed to an unofficial Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

An official Member of the Treasury is not a very accurate designation. He is appointed to the Committee for the purpose of giving useful information.

Mr. BUTCHER

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to announce the new land policy of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

Not this Session.

50. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Prime Minister whether he has included or proposes to include any Unionist Member or Members in the Committee which has been appointed with his approval to consider the possibility of benefiting agriculturists by the further taxation of land; and, if not, why the Unionist party is to be un-represented on such Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As I have already stated, the Committee is a purely unofficial body, and any expenditure it may incur will be met from private sources. The question of personnel rests, therefore, entirely with those who have formed the Committee.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the terms of reference to the Committee are not of such a partisan nature as to exclude those from all sides of the House who might be ready to view the question impartially in regard to taxation which might further injure an already injured industry?

The PRIME MINISTER

I say it is purely a question of a private inquiry.

Mr. C. BATHURST

May I ask whether the decision as to the construction of the Committee has been come to on the footing that sympathisers with agriculturalist needs are confined to the Radical benches?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir, certainly not. It is purely a matter of inquiry on a primary question.