§ 29. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether in the budget which has been presented in the Southern Rhodesian Parliament there is any reduction of native taxation corresponding to the reduction on income tax from 1s. to 6d. in the pound?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Lord Stanley)No provision for a reduction of the direct taxation of natives was included in the recent budget. I understand that, whereas income tax rates are fixed annually as circumstances require, the native hut tax has remained unaltered for a considerable time and that there would be a difficulty in reducing it unless there was some assurance that any reduction could be maintained.
§ Mr. PARKINSONIn view of the fact that the taxation of the natives is heavy, as compared with the relief given to the white population, will the Minister take steps to apply pressure that action may be taken within the period stated?
Lord STANLEYI am sure that no pressure would be necessary, because all such considerations are always present in the mind of the Government of Southern Rhodesia.