§ Mr. Beswick123, 124 and 125. asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he is aware that there is no income tax, land tax or inheritance tax in Bermuda; that there has been considerable demand for such direct taxation and that the burden of indirect taxation is very heavy; and whether he will take steps to reform the taxation system in this colony;
(2) what is the present cost of living in Bermuda as compared with 1939; and whether he is satisfied that wages have increased to a similar extent.
(3) how it is that school attendance is compulsory in Bermuda but fees are charged.
Mr. Creech JonesI have recently received representations on these matters from Bermuda and I am considering them in consultation with the Governor. It would therefore be premature for me to make any statement at this stage, but I hope to be able to do so in the near future. I may mention, however, that the cost of living figure at 1st December, 1946, was 187.