LUXURY TAXES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 281, 16 August 1918, Page 5

LUXURY TAXES

I REPORT ON BRITISH PROPOSALS, i London, August 14. Tho Select. Committee on the taxation of luxuries has issued a report detailing its proposals. Tho long schedules cover u. vast number of commodities, of which many aro proposed to bo subjected to tax irrespective of valuo: for example, precious stones and metals, silks, furs, perfumes, works of art, and things used for sport and amusement. A second -chedtile covers meals and board and lodging. Dinners costing above 55., breaklasts over 35., and afternoon tea over Is. hoiild bo taxed; and tho limit at which 1 ■axation should-begin for board and lodg.iig is set at 17s. fid. a day or .£5 a week; inplo bedrooms 455. a week, and double •jetlrooms 755. a week. Another list fixes taxes for men's boots osting more than 10s, and women's hoes costing ovor 325. Gd„ men's suits ver eight guineas, women's costumes ■ vot seven guineas: tobacco over Is. an • unce, cigars over Ort., horsea over ,£l5O, nd suites of furniture over ,£SO. A minority report argues that tho revenue-producing eli'cct of the taxes will !'o defeated if duty is chargeable on the amount. It should therefore be charged on the surplus over the exemption limit. Tho committeo recommends exemptions in favour of ta-tides purchased by museums, libraries, and art galleries, and considers that provision should be made lor raising the scheduled prices to meot ■my riso in prices.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.