HC Deb 16 February 1899 vol 66 c1112
MR. COGHILL (Stoke-upon-Trent)

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will by legislation this Session fix a period of twelve months after any person's decease within which period all claims by the Somerset House officials against his estate must be be made, and to put an end to all further exactions by that department against his estate after that limit of time has been passed?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

It would not be possible to impose any such limit upon the claims of the Crown to Death Duties as the honourable Member suggests. Many claims do not arise until long after twelve months from the testator's decease; for instance, not until the death of his widow, or other future event.