§ 49. Mr. MACQUISTENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the annual sum realised by the 15s. tax on men servants; and whether, in view of its effect on unemployment, he will reconsider this tax?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe proceeds of the male servant licence duty for the year ended 31st March, 1927, the latest period for which figures are at present available, were £133,366. The duty is not an Imperial but a Local Taxation duty, and I am afraid that I could not undertake to introduce legislation which would deprive local authorities of part of their revenue, unless I were sure of their unanimous consent, and that a demand would not be made upon the Exchequer to replace the revenue surrendered.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are many men would would like to take up this occupation, and their chances are now taken by women, and that this is unfair discrimination?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLBut that does not at all get round the difficulty of the £133,366.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that for more than 100 years this duty has never been applied in Ireland, though it has been in operation in Great Britain?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWe have very little to do with Ireland now.
Sir F. HALLIn view of the new Franchise Bill, under which we are to give the same voting rights to men and women, is it proposed that a duty shall be placed upon female servants?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a matter which may well be considered in another Parliament.