TAXES IN THE EMPIRE

Taihape Daily Times, 19 July 1918, Page 3

TAXES IN THE EMPIRE

War conditions have emphasised the ■hardship inflicted by "double taxation” and it was only to be expected that the Imperial War Conference would confirm its resolution of last year recommending a review of the existing legislation. Neither in Britain nor in the Dominions is there any difference of opinion on this question, and it is well recognised that only the difficulties confronting the Chancellor of the Exchequer have postponed the adoption of ameliorative measures. The Imperial Conference has recommended that, the present tory position should be remedied immediately after the conclusion of hostilities, but from recent speeches by Mr B’onar.Eaw there is little prospect of an early reduction in British taxation, and any relief which is devised will apparently ,be partly at the expense of the Treasuries of the Dominions- The search for a. practical solution of this'problem, may, therefore, lead to a consideration of broader aspects of’ imperial and colonial taxingrights. Such ’a reform would be in the nature of ’lmperial 1 ireciprocity 5 and it might follow the analogy of the Customs and lead to a preferential scheme of taxation designed to maintain investments, like trade, "within the Empire.” The consternation among holders of shares in enemy concerns at the outbreak of war should convey a lesson, not merely of warning to the individual but of counsel to the community, that investment in foreign countries cannot be continued without injury to the industries of the Empire. The justice of a discrimination in Customs duties is now acknow rledged; a similiar preference in taxation f<£] y Jnjp.qrial industries would extend tha.t principle, to the advantage of both Imperial and Dominion interests.