§ 49. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered putting a tax on the import of furs, natural and artificial, feathers, natural and artificial, and 748 precious stones into this country; and what are the difficulties in the way or such a tax?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn reply to this question, I can only say that in framing the Budget I followed the usual procedure of examining in all their aspects a great number of proposals for both the reduction and imposition of taxation, and that the results of my examination, so far as the present year is concerned, have been placed before the House.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year furs and diamonds alone were imported to the total of over £20,000,000 Why has the right hon. Gentleman neglected this source of revenue? Are these not luxuries?
Sir H.CROFTHas my right hon. Friend given serious attention to this question, coming from the Liberal party, as one which might provide additional revenue?
§ Mr.CHURCHILLI think I have got quite enough Clauses and provisions in the Finance Bill of this year to satisfy us for this year, but I am quite ready to continue my search in future, and leave no fitting subject for taxation unexplored.
Captain BENNAre we to gather from the answer that the policy of the Government is a progressive series of increased taxes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. But our policy is certainly to examine with an open mind the possibility of raising a certain portion of our revenue from subjects of luxury consumption, and thereby to relieve the very heavy burdens on other taxpayers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESIs it not a fact that a tax such as is proposed would seriously prejudice the friendly relations supposed to exist between this Government and the Soviets?