§ Mr. PETOasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the demand note issued by the local taxation department at Taunton with regard to male servants, in which it is stated that the age of a male servant is immaterial, and that boys engaged in gardening and similar work must be paid for; and whether, in view of the consequent discouragement to the employment and training of boys in useful work caused by imposing a tax of 15s. per year, he will fix some reasonable age, such as eighteen years, at which the tax should commence to be payable?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I would remind the hon. Member that the responsibility for the administration of the Male Servant Licence Duties in England and Wales lies solely with the county and county borough councils, and not with the Treasury. As regards the second part of the question, I am not satisfied that the duties as at present constituted have the result suggested by the hon. Member or that an alteration would have the effect which he desires. In these circumstances I cannot undertake to propose legislation on the point, which would involve a loss of revenue to the local authorities.