§ 145. Mr. GOULDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Shipping Controller has demanded the equivalent of an Excess Profits Duty on the sale of British steamers to foreigners which does not apply to sailing ships; and what authority a Government Department has to impose a tax on capital not sanctioned by the House?
Colonel WILSONI have been asked to answer this question. The stipulation referred to in the question has been made, not in the smallest degree with the object of raising revenue, but to prevent shipowners, in the public interest, from selling without the approval of the Shipping Controller older ships to foreigners at the high price which is procurable in foreign markets. My right hon. Friend requires also that a ship thus sold must be replaced by a new one. In effect, the Shipping Controller retains a monopoly of foreign sales, but is prepared in certain circumstances to allow shipowners to sell through him on terms agreed by all parties. It will be seen that the question of unauthorised taxation does not arise.