BRITISH POLITICS

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12751, 24 March 1910, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS

THE FINANCIAL SITUATION,

INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS

ELECTION PREPARATIONS

THE GOVERNMENT'S RESOLU-

TIONS,

[Press Association — Coptright.]

London, March 22.

In the House of Commons Mr A. H. D. Stoel-Maitland (U.) accused tlie Government of creating financial chaos.

Mr Chamberlain asked how the Government justified deducting income tax from the salaries of public officials if it was illegal to collect it from unofficial persons. Mr Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer, replj'ing, ridiculed the supposition that the Treasury should beg payment of the income tax when it i was unable to enforce its demand.

MrS. H. Butcher, M.T. (U.) is urging the Government to take immediate steps to legalise the collection of income tax, because many millions are in tbo hands of the banks and companies throughout the country, some of whieli companies may possibly go into liquidation. In the event of another general election the Conservatives have determined to fight every constituency wnich they contested in the last campaign. In the House of Commons Mr J. « King (L.) has introduced a Bill providing for holding all election on one day.

Sir Henry Kimber (U.) lias introduced a Reform of Seats Redistribution Bill. The resolutions proposed by the Government havo met with approval or disapproval according to party lines. Tlie Irish Nationalists withhold fcheir opinion pending a statement by the Premier as to how the Government proposes to" give effect to the scheme in the event of the Lords- rejecting tlie resolutions or postponing, thendecision.