HC Deb 23 November 1931 vol 260 cc45-6
77. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to state the policy of the Government in respect of the new land taxes; and, if not, will he suspend the administrative operation of Part III of the Finance Act, 1931, until the House has had an opportunity of registering its opinion of the Measure?

79. Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in view of the effect of land taxes on the development of seaside resorts, he can now make a definite statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to Part III of the Finance Act of 1931?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Major Elliot)

I would refer the hon. Members to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19th November, to questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) and the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford (Sir V. Henderson) respectively.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman be good enough to give me a reply to the question whether he will suspend the administrative operation of Part III of the Finance Act until the House has had an opportunity of expressing its opinion?

Major ELLIOT

It is quite impossible for my right hon. Friend to give pledges about suspending decisions of this House.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, since the present Government has been in office, some 400 or 500 new officials have been appointed, and is that consonant with the spirit of the House to-day?

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman not aware that the whole security of land is being endangered and that there is a difficulty in raising mortgages? It is an utter and complete waste of public money.

Major ELLIOT

I am sure my hon. Friend will realise that my right hon. Friend has given a pledge to make a statement, and it is not possible for me to add anything to that at present.

Sir F. HALL

Will the Lord Privy Seal be consulted?

Major ELLIOT

A Cabinet decision will, naturally, involve consultation with every Member of the Cabinet.

Sir F. HALL

Is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that the great bulk of Members are bitterly opposed to this proposal? When can we expect the Government to make a statement?

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it a fact that some 400 or 500 new officials have been appointed since the existence of the present Government?

Major ELLIOT

I should certainly require notice of that question.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it not the duty of any public Department to carry out the laws of the country until they have been repealed?