§ 13. Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the estimated profits on shipping for 1916 as compared with the profits for 1913 recently published; whether he is prepared to inquire into the accuracy of these figures, having, 1435 regard to the dividends which have been declared by shipping companies even after provision has been made to meet the Excess Profits Tax; and whether he is prepared to apply to shipping profits the method adopted in respect of the railways when they were taken over by the State?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I hope to be able to state very shortly the intentions of the Government in this matter.