§ 51. Mr. HOLTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount raised by taxation in France during their last complete fiscal year before the War and during their last complete fiscal year?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe total amount raised by the French Government in taxation amounted in 1913 to 4,558,000,000 francs, and in 1917 to 5,489,000,000 francs. It is estimated that the tax revenue of the current year will amount to 7,869,000,000 francs. It must be remembered that, owing to the invasion of France and to the occupation by the enemy of some of the most prosperous parts of the country, a large part of the normal revenue disappeared in consequence of the War.
§ Mr. ARNOLDIs it not the fact that France, like other belligerent countries on the Continent, has been obliged to modify or remit any tariffs during the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWObviously that has been a necessity from the nature of the circumstances.