MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer can he state whether the capital value of free personalty whereon death duties were paid, which in 1899–1900 was £198,971,000 and in 1900–1901 was £181,823,000, had increased or decreased in 1901–1902, and also what the amount actually was for the latter year: and can he state whether the number of estates exceeding £1,000,000, which in 1900–1901 were nine in all, had increased or decreased in 1901–1902, and also what was the number thereof in the latter year.
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHThe final figures for 1901- 1902 are not yet available, but it is expected that the capital value of free personalty whereon death duties were paid will prove to be slighly more than in 1900–1901. The number of millionaire estates in respect of which original affidavits were filed in 1901–1902 was eight.