asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can make any statement as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the conscription of wealth after the War; whether he can say if it is intended to include wealth represented by Government Loans; and, if not, whether any other forms of wealth will have immunity from confiscation?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he recently stated to a trade union congress Parliamentary Committee that capital after the War might be subject to taxation; and whether, in any event, such taxation would be applicable to loans solicited and obtained by the Government through the issue of bonds, shares, or certificates, in order to enable them to carry the War to a successful end?

The Government have not considered the question of a possible tax on capital and have no intention of proposing such a tax. I shall take an early opportunity of referring to the remarks made by me to a private deputation which have been published in the Press, and the most suitable opportunity will probably be in connection with the discussion of the Report of the Select Committee on Expenditure.

Would not this be a better opportunity, seeing that the question is now directly addressed to the right hon. Gentleman?

No, Sir; I really do not think it is the kind of question that can be dealt with by question and answer.