258 THE MALT TAX 



decided against it. The majority of the witnesses appear 

 to have been in favour of repealing the tax, but were unable 

 to suggest anything in substitution for it. Others said, thus 

 showing much foresight, that if it meant substituting a beer 

 duty or heavy licence duties for the Malt Tax, they failed to 

 see what advantage agriculturists would gain. 



The first mention of this subject among our papeis is a 

 notice to local Chambers, dated 10th October, 1867, asking 

 them to send in resolutions on the Malt Tax, and informing 

 them that a Select Committee was taking evidence. On 

 5th November, 1867, a resolution was carried pledging the 

 Council to endeavour to get the tax repealed. In March, 

 1868, a resolution was received from the East Kent Chamber 

 urging the Council to take action lest the public should think 

 the agitation had been abandoned. The Council thereupon 

 expressed i egret that the Select Committee had not pre- 

 sented their report before the Chancellor of the Exchequer 

 made his Budget speech. In May, 1868, the local Chambers 

 were asked to suggest names of suitable men to give evidence 

 before the Select Committee. On 22nd September the 

 Secretary was instructed to send a copy of the Select Com- 

 mittee's report to every local Chamber. The Address to 

 Candidates at the general election (referred to on page 79) 

 issued on 22nd September, contained the resolution passed 

 on 5th November, 1867. 



On 4th May, 1869, the following resolution was carried in 

 the Council by a considerable majority : 



" Considering the oppressive operation of the excise restrictions 

 upon the manufacture of malt and beer, the loss to consumers 

 occasioned by the cumulative incidence of the Malt Duty and the 

 consequent discouragement given to the production of sound and 

 wholesome beer and to the growth of barley, this Chamber sup- 

 ports the recommendation of the Select Committee, and is of 

 opinion that, until the amount of the Malt Duty can be spared 

 from the revenue, considerable benefit would ensue from repeal- 

 ing the tax on malt and obtaining an equivalent in the least 

 objectionable manner from beer." 



This acquiescence in an equivalent Beer Duty was their 

 first great mistake. 



