§ 53. Mr. MARDY JONESasked the Prime Minister what proportion, if any, of the cost of the Government subvention to the coal industry is to be raised by a special tax on mining royalties derived from the output of British coal?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIn view of the statement of the Prime Minister that we are to go into the roots of the depression in the coal industry, and that royalties are admitted to be one of the root causes of depression, why cannot the Prime 1354 Minister see his way to place a tax of 50 per cent. on these royalties, so that in five or six years we could secure the money required?
Mr. GUINNESSIt would be quite open to the Commission to consider this matter with all other matters.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESThe Government have expressed a desire to solve this question, and it is well known that royalties—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]
§ Captain W. BENNDo we understand that the Commission will be enabled to consider the continuation of some tax for continuing the subsidy to the industry?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAre we to understand that this Commission will have powers to consider the question of a subsidy, and how the money for the subsidy should be raised?
Mr. GUINNESSNo; the question referred to mining royalties and the Commission can naturally consider any of these questions.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESIs it not a fact that a majority of Members of the Tory-party have been threatening to go on strike on this particular question.?