HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4, 3 September 1915, Page 7

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the Lower House this afternoon, Sir J. Ward laid on the table a comparative return showing the amounts paid by city men and country, settlors under the graduated land and income tax. He explained that the return had been compiled to show why the Budget did not apply the graduated land tax in the same degree to town as to country lands.

A discussion, lasting the whole of the afterndon, followed, in which the

question’ of town versus country was very prominent. Members generally agreed that whatever taxation the Government asked for must be raised, but the widest difference of opinion existed as to the most equitable method of raising that money. The discussion was not hostile to the Government, but was intended to assist the Government in arriving at the most equitable proposals. Mr J .IT. Escott said he accepted the graduated tax proposals, but opposed the tax on mineral oils. He objected to taxation amounting to £290.000 outlined in the Budget, and indicated sources from which the required revenue could lie made up. He would, increase the beer duty to sixpence per gallon, and that on spirits to 20s per gallon. He did not think a tax on tea would be objected to, and he favored taxation of amusements.

1 Mr J. T. M. Hornsby hoped the experiment of a National Cabinet would be followed by proportional representation and an elective executive. The land tax proposals were quite inadequate, and the graduated tax was a farce. He favored heavier taxes on luxuries and on death duties, and regretted there was not serious attempt to reduce the cost of living. Mr C. H. Poole thought expressions of opinion had fallen from members which merited the attention of the National Government. The Budget must be accepted in a spirit of compromise ; it did not represent a party line, but was an attempt to obtain money required for the war. He thought no hardship wa s involved in the taxation suggested, but exception could be taken to some of the details. He supported a further taxation of beer, but objected to the suggestion that picture shows should be taxed.

Mr Harris could not approve of all the proposals. Owing to the prosperity of the country, abnormal expenditure could he easily met. lieapproved the increase in the graduated tax, hut thought exemptions should he reduced to £2OO. He favored an increase on hcer and spirits, and a tax on tea, cigars, and cigarettes. Ihe House rose at 10.18 p.m.