§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether a substantial portion of the shares of certain public companies registered in London is owned by Irish shareholders; and whether provision will be made in the Financial Clauses of the Government of Ireland Bill that all Probate Duty payable in respect of such 1823 property shall be credited to the Irish Exchequer?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT, Oldham)A considerable share of certain public companies registered in England is held by Irish shareholders. This, however, does not affect the financial relations of Great Britain and Ireland as regards Probate Duty. As a general rule, probate is granted in Ireland in respect of the property of persons resident in Ireland, and the duty paid in Ireland includes the duty on the English property of such persons, and consequently on their share in companies registered in England.
§ MR. FLYNNThe right hon. Gentleman suggests "as a general rule." Are there exceptional cases, and will they be taken into account by the Treasury?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI am not aware that there are exceptional cases.