§ 42. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Acting Financial Secretary of Uganda recently announced that the provincial Commissioners considered that the present level of direct and indirect taxation on Africans was most burdensome; and what steps are being taken by the Government of Uganda to share this burden over all sections of the population.
Mr. McNeilThe opinion quoted by the Acting Financial Secretary was, I understand, expressed by the Provincial Commissioners as an argument against reducing direct taxation on non-natives in Uganda at the present time. It was not a statement of the opinion of the Uganda Government itself. I have no reason to suppose that the burden of taxation is in fact unfairly distributed at present, but I understand that the Governor in Council is considering whether a review of the existing level of direct taxation is required.
§ Mr. SkinnardIf in fact the incidence of taxation as between the African and the white population is not unfair, why did the Acting Financial Secretary make that specific remark that the heavy burden fell on the native?
Mr. McNeilAs I have already indicated, looking at the context, it seems as if it were used as an argument against reducing direct taxation, which has been imposed on the non-native inhabitants of Uganda.
§ Mr. Leslie HaleDoes not my right hon. Friend think that there is a case for exemption from taxation altogether of persons with incomes of less than £10 a year, which includes 90 per cent. of the inhabitants of Uganda?
Mr. McNeilI am not in a position to comment on the accuracy or otherwise of the figures. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.