3,
It appeared probable up to the last few days that it would be necessary to force Bill through with official majority, but it now seems certain that one or two Unofficial Members will rote with the Government on the second reading which takes place on 1st May, In the Bill now before the Council, standard rate has been fixed at 10%‰. I agreed to this with some reluctance, but I consider it most important that the Bill should, if possible, be supported by some sections of Unofficial opinion, and also I was forced to the conclusion that, at a time when so many persons find the utmost difficulty in meeting their assential commitments with the exorbitantly high cost now ruling, a higher standard rate could not have been imposed without resulting in a good deal of hardship.
40
The consideration is to establish machinery for direct taxation. (Corrupt group) that is to accomplish any ad justment in the rate which may be necessary to meet a change in condition does not present so much difficulty.
246
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