HC Deb 08 April 1881 vol 260 cc1017-8
MR. GREGORY

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can lay upon the Table of the House the calculation on which the anticipated increase of the Revenue from the new arrangement of Probate and Legacy Duties is founded?

MR. GLADSTONE

I should not like to set the example of formally laying on the Table a document of this kind, because it would have the tendency to operate adversely to the sound principle that the exclusive responsibility should rest on the Chancellor of the Exchequer. At the same time, in this case all the particulars that could be produced or asked for are already before the House—both what was produced under the old system and what it is estimated the new system will yield. Placing the losses from one against the gain on the other, and deducting the loss connected with the new arrangement for debts, all the particulars that could be given are arrived at.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

Perhaps I may be allowed to repeat the Question I put a few days ago, which is substantially what my hon. Friend asks. What is the real calculation that was made in order to show what the gain upon the Probate Duty would be, and what would be the set-off by loss of debts and deficits? On the Budget night a certain statement was made of a gross gain on the Probate Duties of £576,000, or something of the sort, against which there was a loss of £400,000 for debts, and £150,000 on Legacy Duty, the loss coming to more than the gain. We were told what the net result was; we have not been told how far the statement was misapprehended, nor what was the gain on debts or the loss by Legacy Duties.

MR. GLADSTONE

I am not aware that anything I said should have given rise to misapprehension. I have not read the report of my speech, nor can I think that any man actively engaged in Public Business would have either time or inclination to do so. I have been informed as to the report, and I can only say that I believe I stated exactly what the duty bad produced, and what it was estimated to produce. I also stated the deductions that were to be made from the gross amount, and that showed what the net gain will be. If there is any doubt I shall be most happy to answer any question.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

In the report of the speech there are set forth two sums—one of £400,000 as loss on debts, and another of £150,000 as loss on Legacy Duty. Are those figures correctly stated?

MR. GLADSTONE

Quite correctly.