asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any negotiations have taken place between the Treasury and local authorities with regard to the desirability of abolishing the duty on the employment of male servants?

No, Sir, but the subject is being considered by the Minister of Health and representatives of local authorities in connection with the forthcoming revision of the block grant.

Will that enable the matter to be dealt with before the coming Budget; and is it not very desirable that it should be so dealt with, in view of the strong feeling both in the House and the country as to the prejudicial effect of this duty upon the provision of work for unemployed men?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to what I have already said.