Male Servant Licence Duty

68.

Major CARVER
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in the interests of employment, he will consider the abolition of the tax of 15s. on male domestic servants; and what is the present reason for the retention of this tax?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN
As I have explained on several previous occasions, the Male Servant Licence Duty is not an Imperial but a Local Taxation Duty, and I am afraid that I could not undertake to introduce legislation which would deprive local authorities of part of their revenue unless I were sure of their unanimous consent, and that a demand would not be made upon the Exchequer to replace the revenue surrendered.

Major CARVER
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago a similar tax was imposed on female domestic servants, and, in view of the present political equality of the sexes, will he remit this tax?