UNPOPULAR TAX

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 2 June 1937, Page 10

UNPOPULAR TAX

3.15 P.M. EDITION

DEFENCE CONTRIBUTION. CRITICISMS IN THE HOUSE. “A STRAIN ON LOYALTY.” (United Dress Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received" June 2, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, June I. The Conservative motion condemning the defence contribution is now supported by 20 members, which foreshadows a vigorous attack in the committee stage of the Bill. Last night’s debate revealed how unpopular the tax is to all parties. The Times declares: The Chancellor (Sir John Simon) dashed himself vainly against an iceberg of general dissent. The Manchester Guardian’s Parliamentary correspondent pays tribute to the moderate but trenchant opposition of Dr. Dalton (Labour - ) and singles out the phrases: The tax is an administrative monstrosity and a financial fantasy. The Prime Minister should take it back and try again. The criticisms of Sir Francis Acland (Liberal) were listened to with particular respect as ho is a practical business man who first favoured the tax and then became converted to opposition to it by its complexities and inequities. Mr Clement Davies (National Liberal) summed up the general fooling of the Government supporters by saying: “The Prime Minister is presuming on his position and our loyalty, which is being strained to the breaking point.”

It is reported on the cable page that the tax has now been withdrawn.