DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION. (Hansard, 29 April 1918)

HC Deb 29 April 1918 vol 105 c1285 1285

§ 53. Mr. EVELYN CECIL
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the proportion, under the new Budget proposals, of direct to indirect taxation?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
Of the total estimated tax revenue for 1918–19, direct taxation accounts for 81.37 per cent, and indirect for 18.63 per cent. In making this calculation, Excess Profits Duty is included in direct taxation.

§ Mr. OUTHWAITE
On what principle does the right hon. Gentleman include the Excess Profits Tax as direct taxation when it is indirectly levied on the whole community by profiteers?

§ Mr. BONAR LAW
I regard it as direct taxation precisely because it is direct taxation.