CO129-582-7 Taxation 6-6-1939 - 5-2-1940 — Page 178

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The latter they recommend as definitely preferable to

either of the other two, provided that an income tax

can be successfully worked in the Colony; and they therefore suggest that if Government is satisfied that

there may be a need for additional revenue on such a

scale, steps should be taken to secure an expert investigation of the practicability of an income tax. The committee have emphasized that their suggestions are of a long range character, and they have not primarily been considered with any immediate need for additional revenue in mind, since the Colony's present

financial position is comparatively easy.

3.

I have consulted my Executive Council, who

unanimously concur with the following course of action

on the committee's report:-

(a) The suggestion for increase of school fees

will be referred to the Board of Education

for examination, and medical fees will be

considered after the arrival of the Lady

Almoner.

(b) The suggested revised arrangements with

public utility companies are in line with a

conversation already in progress with the

Telephone Company at their own instance, and

the Financial Secretary and Crown Solicitor

have been directed to begin conversations with

the Gas and Electricity Companies.

(c) Public reaction to the suggestions with regard

to betting duty and taxi monopoly will be

awaited before taking any action.