Mr. T. MORRISasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position with regard to the tax of 50 dollars per annum which it was recently proposed to levy on non-resident commercial agents visiting Jamaica and Trinidad; and whether arrangements have been made to provide that these taxes shall not apply to British commercial travellers?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIn view of the urgent need to raise increased revenue, legislation has been passed by the Legislative Councils of Jamaica and Trinidad imposing along with other taxation a tax on non-resident commercial agents of £25 a year and $50 a year respectively. After careful consideration, the Governors of the Colonies have been informed that His Majesty will not be advised to exercise his power of disallowance in respect of this legislation. It was not found practicable to suggest that the taxation should not apply to British commercial travellers. It may be added that in the case of Trinidad concessions have been made which should in practice exempt from the tax special representatives of firms who have, or appoint, resident agents in the Colony.