§ 32. Mr. DENMANasked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated cost of the proposed Land Value Tax to be paid by 1427 the Commissioners of Crown Lands on their estates in London and elsewhere, respectively?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would refer my hon. Friend to Clauses 19 and 20 of the Finance Bill. I do not see how any cost would be incurred by the Crown Lands Commissioners under the proposed taxation.
§ 44. Mr. DENMANasked the First Commissioner of Works the estimated cost of the proposed Land Value Tax on properties in his control?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Lansbury)I would refer my hon. Friend to Clauses 19 and 20 of the Finance Bill, from which it would appear that the properties which are under my control are exempt from taxation.
64. Major the Marquess of TITCH-FIELDasked the hon. Member for Central Leeds (Mr. Denman) as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he can give an estimate of the amount of tax levied under the Finance Bill on land belonging to the churches?
§ Mr. DENMAN (Second Church Estates Commissioner)It is estimated that about £72,000 per annum would be payable by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in respect of their properties, the net revenues from which are applied to providing incomes for the clergy in the more necessitous parishes. The information is not available upon which an estimate could be given of the amount of the tax on glebe lands and other properties belonging to incumbents of benefices throughout the country.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDDoes the hon. Gentleman think it is a wise policy to deprive the Church of this large sum of money?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is entirely a matter of opinion.
§ Sir K. WOODHave the Ecclesiastical Commissioners made any representations to the Government?
§ Mr. DENMANThe Ecclesiastical Commissioners have been in consultation with the authorities on the details of this Measure.
Marquess of TITCHFIELDWhat effect will this have on the stipend of the clergy; will it mean a reduction of pay?
§ Mr. DENMANThat is not the precise effect. The effect of the taxation will be to diminish the surplus available for distribution only in certain necessitous cases.
§ Mr. DENMANThe difference is the difference between taking off something from existing incomes and failing to add something.
§ Mr. O'CONNORWill the hon. Gentleman explain that subtle difference to the trade unions of the country?
§ Mr. DENMANWe are very well aware of the distinction between the reduction and the maintenance of income.