HC Deb 20 July 1932 vol 156 cc2269-70
43 and 44. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he is aware that Income Tax in the Isle of Man does not exceed Is. 5½d. in the £;and whether he has approached the authorities in the isle with a view to their increasing their annual contribution toward the Imperial Exchequer, as suggested in the Geddes Report;

(2) whether he is aware that in Guernsey the Income Tax is 7d. in the £, and in Jersey there is no Income Tax; and whether he has taken any steps, as suggested in the Geddes Report, to invite both islands to make a contribution towards the Imperial Exchequer, especially in view of the fact that the cost to Army Votes of the regular garrison and militia amounts to £365,000?

Sir R. HORNE

I am aware of the conditions in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, and I propose to raise with the Island authorities in both cases the question of increased contributions to the Imperial Exchequer. It has been necessary, however, to collect information as to the financial position, and this has necessarily taken time. In the case of the Isle of Man any addition to the statutory contribution of £10,000 per annum will require legislation.

Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman in favour of taxation without representation? In the second place, is he aware that the Islands do not want regular troops in their barracks, and that the troops are sent there because there are no barracks on this side? Finally, is he aware that the Militia only costs these large sums because the Imperial Government insist on a large permanent regular staff?

Sir R. HORNE

I think my hon. and gallant Friend will recognise that it is not a matter of taxation, but of contribution for services which are rendered in the protection of these Islands along with all the other parts of His Majesty's Dominions. The considerations to which my hon. and gallant Friend has referred will be regarded, along with the other relevant matters.

Commander BELLAIRS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter was considered during the War in connection with the very inadequate contribution that the Isle of Man was making during the War, and will he take all these relevant matters into consideration?

Sir R. HORNE

Undoubtedly, all these matters will be taken into consideration.