HC Deb 14 April 1914 vol 61 c12
16. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to adopt any or all of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Local Taxation in framing his forthcoming Budget; and, if so, whether, pending the passing of the Finance Bill, the Government will be prepared to defer the passage into law of such measures as the Inebriates Bill and the Elementary Education (Defective and Epileptic Children) Bill, which impose additional charges for semi-national services upon local ratepayers, or alternatively to introduce into such measures Amendments modifying such charges in conformity with the new policy of the Government in reference to local taxation?

Mr. MONTAGU

I must ask the hon. Member to await my right hon. Friend's statement.

Mr. BATHURST

Will not the passage of the Bills which are going to be dealt with this afternoon complicate the local taxation problem?

Mr. MONTAGU

If the hon. Gentleman awaits the financial statement of my right hon. Friend he will see how the matter stands.

Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)

Can the right Gentleman tell the House when the statement will be made?

Mr. MONTAGU

That is a question that ought to be addressed to the Prime Minister.