§ 61. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage increase of taxation on each of the following articles in 1931–32, as compared with 1913–14: beer, tobacco, coffee, cocoa?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The present taxation of the articles in question shows the following percentage increases as compared with the taxation in force in 1913–14, namely;
| Per cent. | ||||
| Beer | … | … | … | 1,269 |
| Tobacco | … | … | … | 159 |
| Coffee | … | … | … | Nil |
| Cocoa | … | … | … | 50 |
§ Sir A. KNOXDoes not this disproportionate increase in the taxation upon beer constitute a monstrous injustice to the few Englishmen who still have the courage to drink beer?
Viscountess ASTORCould the Chancellor of the Exchequer tell us what is the revenue derived from the Super-tax due to the excess profits made by the brewery trade? [Interruption.] Think of that!
§ Sir A. KNOXMay I have an answer to my supplementary question?