TIE BUDGET

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 259, 27 July 1920, Page 4

TIE BUDGET

FORECAST OF PROBABILITIES s

NO CUSTOMS DUTIES More interest is being rhown in tli® Financial Statement of this session than for many years past. Hitherto thcro have been expectations as to tho surplus, but this year,the accounts figures liavo been already given, and the surplus with them. Interest this session is as to the announcements in fclio Budget as to prospects for tho future. Tho House is prepared for almost anything in tho way of loan, proposals, und t.hero would probably 'be littlo opposition to any amount suggested by tho Treasurer. It is understood that tho Government is not. yet in a position, to say. how much money it will need, and that. tho exact amount of the loan will not' be stated in tho Budget. Taxation proposals will probably b»' outlined,, but details will not be dis-, closed until tho taxing Bills como down* When Customs duties, have to bo imposed in accordance wi-H" declarations of the Government's intentions ia the Financial the' House is always asked to ratify immediate increases of duties by resolution. There will bo no resolutions at tho conclusion of this Budget. The Government does not intoncl to get any of the required additional revenue from tho Customs. There will bo proposals for alteration of the incidence of incomo tax, but thero will bo no reduction in the amount required., Bolief will be given in somo grades, but in tho higher grades the - charge will bo heavier. Possibly boiuo relief may b» given, from tho inequalities of the present assessment of companies for incoma tax.

Legislation for ihe session will be forecasted only. Details of measures to como is never given until the measurea themselves appear. Tho financial position of the conutrj must bo dealt with by the Treasurer In his Statement. Mr. Massey has, given the Hcuso already eomo indication of what he may havo to tell in his. Budget. The general purport ot his hints has been uiat tho country is 60und, and that ■it can bear its burdens, but that_ demands for expenditure must be limited. Possibly. Mr. Massey may indicate what demands already made involve, and aho what the available resources of tha country are likely to be. _ Tho debate cu the Budget is expected to bo a livo one. Tho present slackness of the House is attributable to the desire of members to wait for the Budget before discussing business, because ill tho business of tie session must depend upon finance.