§ 47. Mr. Pethick-Lawrenceasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the announced policy of the Government of a levy on war wealth will involve two valuations, one prior to and one after the war; and when he proposes to carry through the earlier valuation?
§ Sir J. SimonAs I stated in the course of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, investigation into the practicability of a levy on war-time increases of wealth is proceeding, and I am not, therefore, in a position to give the right hon. Member a reply to his question.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceThe right hon. Gentleman has told us that the Prime Minister stated several months ago that it was the intention to have this war-time levy on wealth. Will the right hon. Gentleman state when that levy will be imposed? If he cannot do so to-day, can he tell me whether he will be able to give an answer if I put down a question next week, or some other time?
§ Sir J. SimonThe right hon. Gentleman knows that this is a very complicated question. I have already stated that it is being investigated as rapidly as may be, but I cannot state the date when I shall be able to make an announcement.
§ Mr. ManderDoes the Chancellor of the Exchequer not think the simplest course would be to pass into law Bill No. 16 on the Order Paper—the Conscription of Wealth Bill?