MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he can state the total number of estates exceeding £1,000,000, together with their aggregate net value upon which Estate Duty was charged, and the amount of the duty, during the year 1895–6; whether he can state the total number of estates (a) not exceeding £100, and (b) exceeding £100 which were returned for Death Duties during the same period; and, whether he can state the total amount of Settlement Estate Duty levied and paid during the same period, and also the principal value of property situate out of the United Kindgom on which Estate Duty was paid during the same period?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERThe total number of estates exceeding £1,000,000 on which Estate Duty was charged in 1895–6 was eight, and the net value upon which duty was charged was £8,728,866. The duty received in respect of these estates was £701,446. There was also a considerable amount of realty declared upon which payment of duty was deferred. The records are not sufficiently advanced to admit of an answer being given at this date as to the total number of estates (a) not exceeding £100, and (b) exceeding £100 which were returned for Death Duties during the same period. The amount of Settlement Estate Duty paid in 1895–6 was £125,716. The principal value of property situated out of the United Kingdom on which duty was paid was £1,661,000.