A.—s

543

Dr. SMARTT : Yes, I suppose so. Mr. WINSTON CHURCHILL : It is not much good to have a resolution at all if we cannot be unanimous. CHAIRMAN : I think we had better not proceed any further just now. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : We, of the different Dominions beyond the Seas, have tried to be unanimous up to the present time. lam sorry to say this is a question upon which we could not be unanimous. Therefore, Dr. Smartt can move it if he chooses, or withdraw ii. But if he presses it I should have to vote against it. Dr. SMARTT : lam absolutely in the hands of the Conference. Ido not want to press a resolution that is not likely to meet with the general approval of practically everybody on the Conference, especially a resolution of this particular character. We might, perhaps, let it stand over until the next sitting. Between this and Tuesday I may be able to modify it in some way to meet Sir Wilfrid's view.

Fourteenth Day. 0 May 1907.

N uu. Dki km l.

DOUBLE INCOME TAX. CHAIRMAN : The two questions the Chancellor of the Exchequer has come about are the double income tax and as to the profit on silver coinage. I understand it has been discussed already. Mr. ASQUITH : Dr. Jameson, Dr. Smartt, and others were there and discussed it with me. Sir JOSEPH WARD : Is it necessary to go over the discussion again '. We have had it before. . Mr. ASQUITH: I hope not. Dr. SMARTT • I understand the discussion we had before was printed and will be forwarded to the Conference. Mr. ASQUITH : It is to be taken as part of the proceedings* of the Conference, and therefore we need not go over that ground again. Dr. SMARTT : We hold equally strongly the views we expressed the other day. We only hope you may have modified yours since then. Mr. ASQUITH : I am afraid I hold the same view I expressed then, and therefore we must agree to differ about it. CHAIRMAN : I only put it on the agenda because that was understood. Mr. ASQUITH : Yes, it is right to raise it again, but it must be taken as we left it the other day. Dr. SMARTT : You consider no further discussion will bring you any nearer to what is our idea of what is fair. Mr. ASQUITH : lam afraid not. It goes to the very root of our income tax law whether right or wrong.

Double Incomk Tax.

See pp. 183-190.