HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 c225W
Mr. Beswick

123, 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 Jones

I 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.