§ 65. Mr. HOUSTONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a Decree was promulgated in Rome during August, 1916, whereby the Italian Government exempts all profits on cargo vessels bought abroad and registered under the national flag from fiscal dues or taxation during the first three years of their effective service; that all cargo vessels built in Italy registered under the national flag are exempted from any fiscal dues or taxation during the first five years of their effective service, providing the service begins prior to 31st December, 1918; that for steamers which are built after the publication of this Decree and during the period of the War all necessary foreign-made material for the construction of these vessels shall be imported free from any Customs dues; that a premium of 85 lire for each gross registered ton of the vessel shall be paid to the owners by the Government; that all steamers mentioned in the paragraphs will be free from any requisition for one year beginning from the date they are placed upon the national register; whether these inducements are offered by the Italian Government with a view to increase the Italian mercantile 840 marine; and whether he will explain how the present taxation imposed by the British Government upon British shipowners will encourage an increase in British shipping?
Mr. ROBERTSI am aware of the Italian Decree of 10th August last, the provisions of which are correctly described in the question. The inquiry as to the effect of British taxation should, I think, be addressed to the Treasury. The object of such taxation is, of course, to meet part of the expense of the War out of excess war profits'?