Local National Taxation.

Oral Answers to Questions — Russia. – in the House of Commons at on 2 August 1923.

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Photo of Mr Robert Bruford Mr Robert Bruford , Wells

54.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill to revise the present system of adjusting the burden of local and national taxation; and, if so, when such Bill will be presented?

Photo of Mr William Joynson-Hicks Mr William Joynson-Hicks , Twickenham

If by an adjustment of the burden of local and national taxation my hon. Friend means, as I suspect, a substantial increase in the present amount of Government subventions to local authorities, the answer must be in the negative. The Government have, however, had under consideration for some time proposals for improving the machinery of rating and valuation, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health hopes during the Recess to obtain the considered views of the various associations of local authorities and other interests concerned upon these proposals, which will be circulated to them in the form of a draft Bill.

Photo of Mr William Graham Mr William Graham , Edinburgh Central

Will the right hon. Gentleman, before these steps are taken, call for a Report from Lord Meston's Committee on percentage grants which bears very closely on this problem.

Photo of Mr William Joynson-Hicks Mr William Joynson-Hicks , Twickenham

I am quite sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health will do so.

Photo of Sir Percy Hurd Sir Percy Hurd , Frome

May not that Committee be asked to make an interim report, seeing how vitally the matter it is dealing with affects this problem?

Photo of Mr William Joynson-Hicks Mr William Joynson-Hicks , Twickenham

I will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, who is responsible for the details of this matter.

Photo of Sir Percy Hurd Sir Percy Hurd , Frome

Yes, but the report is being held up. This investigation is one of the most important assets of the problem.

Photo of Mr William Joynson-Hicks Mr William Joynson-Hicks , Twickenham

I am quite sure my right hon. Friend will communicate with Lord Meston with a view to expediting the Report.