§ 56. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that taxation in this country in 1928 was approximately 58 per cent. 846 higher than in France, 100 per cent. higher than in Germany, and 250 per cent. higher than in the United States; and what action he proposes to take to reduce this handicap on British industry, especially as intimation has recently been given by the Governments of the States mentioned that further large remissions of taxation will be granted during the current year?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENThe hon. Member has evidently taken the figures in his question from a recent newspaper article, but has not exercised the due caution against exaggerated deductions which the article advised. Comparisons of taxation per head in different countries are apt to give a misleading impression, as the figures are not always compiled on a comparable basis nor do they take account of national income and other relevant considerations. In regard to the last part of the question, I must ask the hon. Member to await the Budget statement.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAssuming that certain allowances have to be made, are not the figures substantially correct; and is the right hon. Gentleman alive to the serious handicap on British industry of these heavy charges in this country as compared with the charges in foreign countries?
§ Mr. SNOWDENI am perfectly well aware of it, but my immediate concern is to find the means of paying the unpaid bills left by my predecessors.