HC Deb 26 November 1912 vol 44 cc1000-1
38. Mr. CASSEL

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the grand total produced by the Increment Value Duty, the Reversion Duty, and the Undeveloped Land Duty together in Ireland during the last financial year was £157; and whether he can state or give any estimate of the cost of collecting this sum?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The total amount of Increment Value Duty, Reversion Duty, and Undeveloped Land Duty paid in Ireland during the year to 31st March, 1912, is as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Oswestry on 22nd February last.

Mr. CASSEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it satisfactory that in the third year of the existence of these taxes the proceeds of the three taxes together should amount to a sum which is nothing like the amount allowed to two Members of Parliament for their travelling expenses?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I never stated that I expected much Land Value Duty from Ireland. On the contrary, I remember that during the discussion, when it was staled there would be a heavy burden on Irish land, I said quite the reverse.

Mr. CASSEL

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the smallness of the produce may, perhaps, account—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is in the nature of an argumentative question.