§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Pethick-Lawrence)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
After the controversial Bill that has occupied the House for so long, I am sure that the House will be determined to agree to this annual Bill for carrying out the decision of the Tynwald for the Isle of Man Customs. This is an annual Bill, and it is unprecedented for this House to do other than confirm the decision of the Tynwald.
§ Mr. KELLYI want to ask just one or two questions. Why is it that there is a difference in the dates between the main Bill for this country and that for the island? I notice that in the charge for carbon oil there is a difference in the date between the Bill for this country and that for the Isle of Man. The other point I am anxious about is why an alteration has been made in the case of the motor cycles which is not applicable to the Isle of Man Bill. I would also 200 ask whether, when this Bill was submitted to Tynwald, they had an opportunity of expressing an opinion as to whether this great list of taxation was acceptable and should be imposed on their people? I put these questions because the island happens to be in a position that it is without debt—and I hope that that will be remembered when we come to another matter—and is quite prepared to pay its share and meet all the charges against it out of revenue. But I do ask why the changes made in the main Bill have not been made applicable to the island.
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEWith regard to the date, it is the usual habit of the Tynwald to carry these Customs duties to August. As to the merits of the Bill, the position is, as the hon. Member knows, that we have certain Customs duties in this country and that Tynwald imposes certain customs duties in the Isle of Man. They have the initiative in the matter. I ask the House to pass the Bill.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House for to-morrow.—[Mr. Pethick-Lawrence.]