The Budget was discussed in the House of Commons on
Wednesday, when the main questions raised were concerned with the price of sugar and the new import duties. In defending the latter Mr. McKenna denied that he was giving up his Free Trade principles, and maintained that the taxes were proposed because it was desirable to discourage the import of luxuries. Corresponding Excise duties would not be imposed because of the administrative difficulties involved; but he did not believe that the home industries would be encouraged, because he was informed that they were already at a standstill owing to the war. Mr. McKenna agreed to exempt motor-cars used exclusively for trade purposes. In the course of the debate Mr. Boner Law briefly repudiated the suggestion that the import duties had been suggested by the Unionist members of the Cabinet. They were suggested to the Cabinet by Mr. McKenna himself. Mr. Asquith announced that the House would adjourn until the following Tuesday week (October 12th).
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