RIFLE RANGES AND INCOME TAX.
[TO TEE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—As a reader of the Spectator, I am aware of the great interest you take in all that concerns the defence of the country. I therefore venture to ask you, if possible, to use your influence in favour of getting exemption from income tax for all miniature rifle ranges, &c., in this country. As these are mostly provided by private individuals, and are doing the work which the Government ought to do in training men and boys to shoot, it seems unfair that the Government should make a pecuniary profit on them by charging income tax. Mr. Peto asked a question in the House on April 30th, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer replied that "minia- ture rifle ranges and Scouts' halls are assessable to income tax whether vested in trustees or not. I do not see my way to acting on the suggestion contained in the last part of the question." Mr. Peto, it is stated, will put down an amendment to the Revenue Bill, exempting such buildings from income tax. Any interest the press will take in the matter will be of great assistance. My interest in this question arises from the fact that I am president of a minia- ture rifle range (twenty-five yards) and hall which I am building for my Boy Scouts. The range is affiliated to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs. I know that in most cases these rifle clubs are poor, and that they could extend their work most usefully by means of the money now paid for income tax, and it is in their interest that I think it well -worth while to press for exemption.—I am, Sir, &c., X.
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