HC Deb 21 November 1917 vol 99 cc1187-8
59. Mr. ARNOLD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in replying to a deputation of the Trades Union Congress and other bodies, he stated that after the War he had no doubt that the new burden of debt would be made a charge on realised wealth, and that he, personally, took the view that a capital levy would be a better way of meeting the liability than an annual tax; and whether he intends to make any statement in Parliament on this subject?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This question does not give an accurate account of what I said to a deputation which met me confidentially, and it would not be possible to give an account of it in answer to a question.

Mr. ARNOLD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement in question is reported in the Press? Is it not a fact that in reply to this deputation he did in general terms favour the idea of a capital levy after the War for dealing with this War Loan?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think that it would be setting a very bad precedent to discuss what was said by a Minister on a confidential occasion. Let me add that I said nothing either sufficiently novel or sufficient important, in my opinion, to justify me in making a special statement.

Mr. ARNOLD

Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a special statement of what he did say?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already said, so far as I can judge, I said nothing either sufficiently novel or sufficiently important to require a special statement.

Mr. HOGGE

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is a member of a Coalition Government representing all of us, think that it is right to make any communication with an outside body regarding the conscription of the wealth of all of us?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am a member of the Coalition Government, but I did not know that it represents my hon. Friend. In any case it is quite a common custom to meet a deputation and talk over matters without issuing a special report. That is all I did.

Commander WEDGWOOD

In considering this question of the conscription of wealth, will the right hon. Gentleman remember the conscription of land values?