HC Deb 04 May 1914 vol 62 c55
Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I understand the Prime Minister to say that he proposed to take the Income Tax Resolution to-day and the report of it to-morrow, and then to resume the general discussion on the Budget or some other Resolution the day after to-morrow. It has been customary in the public interest for whichever party were in opposition to concur with the Government of the day in taking any Resolution which was necessary to safeguard the Treasury on the first day of the Debate, but these have generally been the Customs Resolutions, where, if they were not passed at once, there would have been a great leakage of money. I do not wish to ask at this stage any details about Income Tax, but I want to ask the Prime Minister, if it be not necessary to safeguard the revenue, that the Income Tax Resolution should be concluded in Committee to-night, whether there is any reason why we should not continue the general discussion in Committee of Ways and Means of Income Tax to-morrow in accordance with the usual practice?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is necessary to take the Income Tax Resolution tonight in consequence of the Act which was passed last year, but I do not propose to take the Report to-morrow.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

What will be the business for to-morrow?

The PRIME MINISTER

As already arranged, I hope to take the Resolution with regard to Procedure. The Budget discussion will be resumed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Lord EDMUND TALBOT

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take the other Bills already notified?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, and the Procedure Motion which stands in my name, which I think everyone is anxious to dispose of.

Lord EDMUND TALBOT

Will that be the first Order?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes.

Resolved, "That the Proceedings of the Committee of Ways and Means, if under consideration at Eleven o'clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."—[The Prime Minister.]