IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 369, 21 April 1910, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE BUDGET REINTRODUCED,

CONCESSIONS TO NATIONALISTS,

By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. London, April 19. On the Budget being reintroduced Mr. Lloyd-George stated that 22 per cent, less whisky had been consumed since the original introduction of the Budget. After reviewing t'he revenues which he expects to collect, he concluded 'by predicting that there would 1 'Ue a surplus of ,£'2, ( J1i3,000, which, had t'he Budget been passed, would have reached £4,200,000. 'Mr. Austen Chamberlain stated that the figures reflected great credit on the Chancellor and his advisers, and on the traders wJio protected the course of trade and prevented damaging fluctua- 1 tions.

Mr. Asquith's inserting in the Budget an amendment relating 'to agricultural land is intended to conciliate t'he Nationalists. Another concession to Ireland relating to agricultural land is intended to conciliate the death dutdes. A third concession, which affects the United Kingdom, exempts from stamp duties transfers of property held 1 on trust, even where the trust is secret. This lately benefits ecclesiastical trusts in Ireland. ,

It is currently stated tlhat there will be important concessions to Ireland in the Budget of 1910-11. The Morning Post publishes a statement as to the prevailing feeling in the House of Com moais, saying that the general opinion of British members of all parties is that Mr. Lloyd-George lias disposed of Mr. O'Brien's allegations, but that Mr. O'Brien's attack on the [Redmondites was severe and well delivered. It adds that Mr. Llovd-George made no concessions in the controversial parts of the Budget.

REVENUE. EMERGING TRIUMPHANTLY. MR. LLOYD-GEORGE'S ESTIMATES. Received April 20, 11.55 p.m. London, April 20. In the House of Commons, Mr. LloydGeorge, Chancellor of the Exchequer, stated that he realised the deficit to he '£2,624,800, but when the arrears were collected there would be a surplus of £2,963,000. Had the Budget passed in 1909 the surplus would have been '£4,200,000. The land-tax arrears were £1,940,000, which would doubtless be collected. He hoped to collect another £23,455,000 income-tax. The actual loss on income-tax would be £350,000, and the loss on stamps £OOO,OOO. No country in the world and no other fiscal system could have emerged triumphantly from such a severe strain.

PENNY POSTAGE. Received April 20, 10.55 p.m. London, April 20. Replying to a deputation to the Commons, Mr. Herbert Samuel, PostmasterGeneral, said he had refused the penny (postage to France owing to the general financial position, also because it would necessitate . lie extension of penny postage to Germany and Belgium. An extension to the whole of Europe would cost £380,000, whereof those affecting France and Germany would cost £90,000 apiece.

THE EMPIRE DUTY BILL. London, April 19. ■Leave to introduce Mr. Craig's Bill for official recognition of May 24 as Empire Day was refused by 240 to 150, Sir Charles Dilke remarking tfhafc all parts ai tlie country were not agreed.