§ 17. Mr. HUNTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the destitution and misery of millions of people in our country and of the increased and increasing price of the cost of living, he could see his way to taking off all the present taxation on imported tea and sugar and making up the revenue by import taxation on the kind of luxuries only bought by the rich?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo, Sir. I regret that I do not see my way to achieving the end indicated by the hon. Member by the means that he suggests.
§ Mr. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that America obtains about 45 millions a year from the import duties on the luxuries of the rich—on articles which the poor do not purchase, and might we not in the same way collect—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is rather a matter of argument.