§ 53. Mr. HOUSTONasked what the nation's income from all sources was in 1913, including interest on foreign investments and shipping freights earned in foreign trade; and the amount of the nation's income for the past fiscal year?
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs there any possibility of giving official information on this very important question?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINVarious estimates have been made by various highly competent authorities, but I would be sorry to pledge His Majesty's Government to any particular figures.
§ Mr. HOUSTONDoes my right hon. Friend find any difficulty in giving the national income of 1913?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThere is a difficulty in saying what is the exact national income. I could give the figures of the income which comes under review for Income Tax, or the income which is actually assessed to Income Tax, but to give an estimate of the total national income is to attempt something which highly competent authorities cannot 1093 decide, and as to which they have not arrived at any conclusion that is accepted by all.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWhen would it suit the right hon. Gentleman for me to put down a question?