HC Deb 17 February 1914 vol 58 cc756-7
33. Mr. CASSEL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Report of the Departmental Committee to inquire-into Imperial and Local Taxation may be expected at an early date; and what is the reason for the delay in issuing such Report?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer which I gave on this subject on Thursday last in reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Fulham.

Mr. CASSEL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that answer, which I have seen, does not answer the second part of the question; that is the reason for the delay of three years in the Report of a Committee which was expressly appointed to report expeditiously?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that the Committee have gone into the matter very fully. It is a very important and a very difficult subject, and no one knows that better than the hon. and learned Gentleman himself. I do not think they have wasted any time. He will find that the Report will be out shortly. I know as a matter of fact that the Committee are discussing the terms of the Report just now.

Mr. CASSEL

Will it be out in time for the right hon. Gentleman to fulfil this year the categorical pledge that the Government gave in 1910 to give relief to the ratepayers?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Well, I am looking forward to that.

Mr. BATHURST

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to accelerate the publication of this Report?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think it would be very improper for a Government Department to bring pressure to bear upon an independent Committee.