BURDEN OF TAXATION

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12009, 11 December 1924, Page 5

BURDEN OF TAXATION

WILL DOMINIONS HELP? POINTS IN THE DEBATE. Australian, and N.Z. .Cable Association (Received December 11, 10.45 p.m.) LONDON, December 10. The most interesting points in yesterday’s debate in the House of Commons were Singapore and the Allied debts to Britain. When the Speaker read the King’s Speech the references to public economy wefe greeted by Labour cries: “Singa? pare I” Mr Lloyd George, Leader of the Liberal Party, emphasised the fact that the British taxpayers were paying 130 mil--1 lions annually on account of Allied debts, ahd he asked whether Britain would continue to pay the United States White her Allies made no offer. Mr Baldwin, in replying, promised that* the question of debts would be do bated next week, and Mr Winston Churchill, Chancellor of the Exchequer, would state tbe Government’s position. CONSULTATION NEEDED. Mr Lloyd George also expressed re gret that the Government had rushers A decision regarding Singapore. 3 Would have been better to have arrang ed for consultation with the dominions te see if Softie agreement on the sUbject of contributions by the dominion? could be reached. Mr Baldwin promised there would to an opportunity for discussion on Singa pore before the House rose. Mr Lloyd George asked wbethe there bad been communications wit) the dominions on this important sul ject. PdINTS TO BE SETTLED. Mr Baldwin: We have begun already. The question has been raised. We have not yet come to a decision regarding the length of time over which tbe work is to he spread, nor any arrangement regarding the contribution to be given by Britain or the dominions immediately concerned. The Prime Minister also'stated that the Royal Commission on Food would present an interim report upon meat and bread.