HC Deb 10 March 1887 vol 311 cc1720-1
MR. O'DOHERTY (Donegal, N.)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, owing to the custom of the sale of tenant-right and the local and competitive value of the right of occupation in Ulster, land in Ulster is subjected to more than double the amount of Death Duties levied out of land of equal value elsewhere in the three kingdoms; and, whether, in his financial arrangements, he can see his way to remedy the grievance alleged to exist?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)

I do not consider this a fair statement of the case. The reference to land of equal value is misleading. Death Duties are levied in Ireland on the tenant-right because that tenant-right represents property, and Death Duties are levied on property. If that property has been created partly by the local and competitive value to which the hon. Member alludes, it does not for that reason cease to be property which is fairly assessable with the Death Duties. Any property, of whatever kind it may be, as the hon. Member is aware, is subject to Death Duties.

MR. O'DOHERTY

I meant land of the same quality.

MR. GOSCHEN

If land of the same quality under the dual ownership in Ulster is a more valuable property than elsewhere, it is subject to the Death Duties on that increased value because it is an increased value.