§ 62. Mr. HALL-CAINEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the intentions of the Government with regard to the land values taxation imposed by Parliament in the current year?
§ 63 and 64. Mr. CADOGANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has issued any instructions to dis- 500 continue the land valuation consequent upon Part III of the Finance Act of 1931;
(2) how much the land valuation consequent upon Part III of the Finance Act of 1931 has cost the Exchequer up to date; and what is the estimated cost of completing such valuation?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)I am not at present in a position to make any statement of policy in regard to Part III of the Finance Act, 1931. The expenditure so far incurred is £110,000. The late Chancellor of the Exchequer estimated the cost of the complete valuation at from £1,000,000 to £1,500,000.
§ Major ELLIOTThe Statute stands until any modification of it is made.
§ Sir W. BRASSWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman remember the pledge which was made by the Lord President of the Council, that he would repeal this Act at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. CADOGANIs this one of those problems which the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Derby (Mr. Thomas) considers too delicate to be discussed across the Floor of the House?
§ Sir BASIL PETOIs it not a fact that the estimate of the expenditure for the current financial year is £400,000, and that of this amount £300,000 still remains to be spent; and could not that sum be saved?
§ Major ELLIOTMy hon. Friends will understand that it is not possible for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who took office only a fortnight ago, to make any statement whatever at present on policy in regard to this subject. He desires to make himself fully acquainted with the departmental aspect of the matter.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAre any further appointments being made; and, as regards the men who have been appointed, are their duties being suspended, or is any further expenditure taking place?
§ Major ELLIOTI have given the figures in my answer. The expenditure so far incurred is £110,000 out of a total expenditure estimated for the year at 501 £400,000, and out of the full expenditure, on the whole valuation, which was estimated by the late Chancellor of the Exchequer at from £1,000,000 to £1,500,000.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMay I press my question? Are these valuers now going about valuing land; and are any steps being taken to put these land valuation taxes into operation?
§ Major ELLIOTThe valuers are going about valuing land.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWe were told last Session that the process was being slowed down. May we be assured that this House will be properly informed if any change of policy takes place, and that it will not take place secretly?
§ Mr. D. G. S0MERVILLEIs it not a fact that we were told in the last Parliament that over 600 additional men were engaged for this purpose? Are they still engaged and are they still being paid salaries?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to answer my question first?
§ Major ELLIOTThose who have been engaged are still being paid salaries and are still carrying out the duties of their posts. These are statutory requirements on the Department, and, if any alteration is to be made, it will have to be made by this House. The House will be kept fully informed of any steps which are being taken, and nothing will be done in any way secretly.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman be in a position to give a decision upon this matter before the House separates?
§ Major ELLIOTObviously, it would be impossible for me to give an answer on that point. It is either for the Cabinet or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but I shall certainly bring my right hon. Friend's question to the notice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.