Item 57/1 - Letter from B. H. Holland to Henry Sidgwick

Refers to two documents [enclosed, 57/2 and 57/3]; a copy of the 'Reference' made to the Royal Commission on the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland [Holland was Secretary], and a memorandum put in by Sir Robert Giffen, 'giving his view as to the method in which the first two questions submitted to the Commission should be solved.' Informs Sidgwick that the Commission would be glad to have the opinions of those who have studied economic questions. Observes that Sir Robert's conclusions with regard to one of the questions is based to a great extent on 'his use of the assessment to income tax'. Asks Sidgwick if he would consider contributing a paper showing in what points he agreed, and in those he disagreed with Sir Robert, 'so far as relates to the general principle which he has adopted.' Mentions that the next meeting of the Commission is in October, and that they will probably prepare their Report in the course of the winter.