§ 26. Mr. CURRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to a case in which the owner of a coalfield in Scotland whose income there from for the three years 1913 to 1915, inclusive, showed continuous diminution has nevertheless been asked to pay Excess Mineral Rights Duty; whether many cases of this kind exist; if so, whether this was the intended effect of the Statute; or whether an amendment is in contemplation?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe principle of the Excess Mineral Rights Duty is to charge a recipient of mineral royalties who, owing to an increase in the selling price of the minerals in the accounting year, has received, as rent in respect of the right to work minerals, an amount in excess of such rent had it been based on pre-war prices. I am aware that cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member may arise in consequence of a diminution in the quantity of minerals worked; but I am unable to give any pledge as to an amendment of the Act.