6 APRIL 1912, Page 2

The principal critic of the Budget on Tuesday was Mr.

Austen Chamberlain. The chief point in his speech was his demand for an inquiry into the character of the valuations that have been made under the Land Taxes. It was, he de- clared, of the greatest importance that "we should know whether it [the valuation] ought to command our respect, whether it had been satisfactorily carried out, and whether the conditions of the laws which regulate the way it has been carried out are such as can be fulfilled satisfactorily in practice." He invited the Chancellor of the Exchequer "now, and without further delay," to appoint this commission of inquiry. On Wednesday Parliament adjourned till Wednes- day in Easter Week. The Home Rule Bill will be taken on the Thursday.