§ 44. Mr. ARNOTTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury why the final columns of the tables in Command Paper 3954 give the total increase in the taxes now proposed over those of the year 1929–30 and not over those of the year 1930–31?
§ Major ELLIOTIn considering the sacrifices which various classes of the community are called upon to bear in consequence of the events of the last two years, one must take into account sacrifices imposed in 1930, as well as those which are being imposed in 1931.
§ Mr. ARNOTTIf the object of publishing this White Paper is to give a clear indication of the extra charges imposed on the various taxpayers by the present 349 Budget, why is this attempt made to conceal those charges by including charges imposed two years ago?
§ Major ELLIOTWe have to take into account the two years. We have to take into account the heavy direct taxation imposed previously and not only that which is being imposed this year.
§ Mr. ARNOTTThen this does not indicate a sacrifice during the emergency. This is a sacrifice for all time.
§ Major ELLIOTNo, the emergency surely is an emergency resulting from the trade slump, which began in 1929.
§ Mr. SHINWELLThere is nothing to conceal, and would the hon. and gallant Member arrange to furnish the House with comparative figures?
§ Major ELLIOTThere is nothing whatever to conceal, and the hon. Member knows that perfectly well.
§ Mr. R. A. TAYLORIs there any precedent for propaganda by the manipulation of a White Paper?