HC Deb 22 March 1927 vol 204 c200
50. Captain STREATFEILD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider imposing a poll tax upon all aliens in Great Britain and Northern Ireland who are employed in a wage-earning capacity?

Mr. CHURCHILL

My hon. and gallant Friend will not expect me to anticipate the Budget statement.

Captain STREATFEILD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the vast number of people of foreign nationality who are now holding positions in this country to the exclusion of our own people, and does he not think the time has come when some form of protection for British labour should be introduced?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I was always under the impression that, on the whole, there was a smaller proportion of foreigners resident in Britain than in almost any other large country.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the putting of a tax on the people who are holding the land of this country idle?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think all the budding Chancellors of the Exchequer should wait a little bit.