HC Deb 17 November 1931 vol 259 cc666-8
50. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether staff is still being engaged or paid in connection with the machinery of collection needed under the land tax proposals in the Finance Act of 1931?

58. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of new officials appointed in connection with the new land tax valuations; and what is the policy of the Government with respect to these land taxes?

64. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost up to date of the preparations for putting into execution the land tax proposals of the Finance (No. 1) Act, 1931?

66. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the intention of the Government to repeal the land tax Clauses of the Finance Act, 1931?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The number of temporary staff engaged in connection with the valuation under Part III of the Finance Act, 1931, is 700. For the rest I can at present add nothing to the answers given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury yesterday.

Mr. LAMBERT

With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's answer to Question 58, may I ask him what is the policy of the Government in regard to these land taxes, or when will he be in a position to state what is the policy of the Government?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I answered my right hon. Friend's question by referring him to the answer given yesterday by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which was to the effect that no statement about policy could be made at this moment.

Mr. LAMBERT

Then may I ask when the Government will be in a position to make a statement of policy on this question, and will they leave it to the House of Commons to decide?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

A statement certainly will have to be made and made as soon as possible.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will it be made before the House adjourns?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would not like to give a definite reply to that question.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the urgent need for more land for allotments in this country and the facilities which would be given in that respect by having a valuation of the land first?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That question is not relevant to the questions on the Paper.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to stop this waste of money?

Mr. LAWSON

Will the Lord Privy Seal be consulted before any decision is taken?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Obviously, this will have to be a decision by the Cabinet.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many Members in this House regard themselves as being pledged in this matter?