§ 45. Sir R. THOMASasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider instituting a special tax on mineral royalties, the proceeds to be devoted to the miners' relief fund?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)No, Sir; the Government do not propose to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill the right hon. Gentleman give the House his reasons for giving a negative reply?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think it would be a very interesting subject for debate, but at the moment I do not think any further tax is required. In the second place, the particular subject which the hon. Member proposes to tax has already a double tax upon it, and there are other things which I think might be considered.
Mr. ERSKINEIs not this the real answer to the question: that it is grossly unfair to penalise any one section of the community?
§ Mr. MARDY JONESWhat services to the country do the landlords render for these royalties?