IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 128, 2 June 1919, Page 7

IMPERIAL PREFERENCE

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COP-JRIOUT.)

LONDON, 20th May (delayed). Sir Donald M'Lean, speaking in the House of Commons, urged the appointment of a committee to inquire into the proposed capital levy, and provide data for a,decision before the next Budget. He regarded the Imperial preference proposals as an anaemic effort, and hoped the Chancellor would gather courage to introduce a schome of more lasting importance to the whole Empire. Mr. F. D. Acland, in the House of Commons, moved tho rejection of the Finance Bill, objecting to the preferential tariffs and the reduction of the excess profits tax without a similar reduction of the workers' income tax,., and also to tlie failure of the Government to introduce a capital levy. Mr. Austen Chamberlain defended the preference clauses, and said that Britain derived her advantage by the existing Dominions' preference. , He condemned the capital levy, which w^uld'creato a feeling of fear and security among those to whom they must appeal to put the country's finance on a, sound footing. He hoped that the Allies by 1920 would be in a position to shoulder some of their debts, and also that their enemies would begin to make contributions. Mr. J. C. Clyncs said that taxation alone could not carry the immense war burdens. He repudiated the idea that friendship with the Dominions would be improved by preference. It would give some colonial traders vast profits.