HC Deb 05 February 1913 vol 47 c2189
25. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can announce now or before the end of the Session when the Report of the Departmental Committee on the relations between Imperial and Local Taxation will be issued?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I am not in a position to make any announcement.

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee was appointed specially with a view to reporting speedily, and has its Report now been postponed to the Greek Kalends?

Mr. MASTERMAN

No. It has been taking evidence on a very large subject, and it has been taking a large amount of evidence.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is it not a fact that the Committee has reported; and, if so, what is the object of delaying the issue of the Report?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I think the hon. Member is quite mistaken. The Committee has not reported at all.

Mr. HICKS BEACH

Has the Committee finished taking evidence?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I cannot say.

Sir W. BYLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that large boroughs are interested in this question, and they are waiting anxiously for the Report?