Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the total amount of relief afforded to the direct taxpayer, and also to the indirect taxpayer, by the Budgets since 1919?
Mr. GUINNESSChanges in the rates of taxation down to 1922–23 will be found in the Statistical Abstract (Command Paper 2207, pages 26 to 31), and for later years in the Financial Statements (House of Commons Paper No. 51 of 1923, No. 60 of 1924 and No. 84 of 1925). The Budget Estimate of tax revenue in 1925–26 compares with the out turn of 1919–20 as follows:
of the increase in the capital borrowings and liabilities and taxation of local authorities caused by various schemes authorised and approved by the Government, he will consider the desirability of the Government financing such schemes from the national Exchequer or at least arranging to guarantee loans for the purpose of carrying out such schemes; and whether he will fix the liability on the rates of local authorities for all schemes of housing and slum clearance or road construction, or other schemes authorised for the relief of unemployment, at a fixed sum in the £ on the public health rate or on any other rate chargeable?
Mr. GUINNESSHaving regard on the one hand to the heavy liabilities already falling upon the Exchequer and, on the other, to the importance of maintaining local responsibility for the efficient administration of services of this character, the Government does not feel able to accept the hon. Member's suggestions.