HC Deb 20 May 1908 vol 189 cc285-7
MR. FELL (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the Agreement respecting Death Duties with France is intended to apply to those persons who may happen to die in France when wintering there or residing there for short periods.

MR. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir. The reference is not to persons dying in France, but to the deaths of persons owning property in either country.

MR. FELL

Does that apply to English subjects wintering in France and dying there owning at the time more than £100?

MR. HOBHOUSE

I must have notice of that Question.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the Agreement respecting Death Duties with France was suggested by the French Government or was proposed by the Secretary of State; and whether any Papers referring to the negotiations will be laid upon the Table of the House.

MR. HOBHOUSE

The Agreement was suggested by the French Government. The Agreement itself has been published and it is not proposed to lay any Papers on the subject.

MR. FELL

Is there any precedent for such an Agreement as this being published?

MR. HOBHOUSE

I cannot say offhand.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the words all persons domiciled in France, contained in Article I. of the Agreement between the United Kingdom and France respecting Death Duties, are intended to refer to the deaths of French subjects in England.

MR. HOBHOUSE

The reference is to persons domiciled in France whether they are French subjects or not.

MR. FELL

I hope the hon. Gentleman can tell me to whom this does really apply. Do the English Government supply particulars when Frenchmen die in London?

MR. HOBHOUSE

It is a very technical question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.

MR. FELL

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what are the frauds in connection with succession duties referred to in the Agreement respecting Death Duties recently signed with the French Government.

MR. HOBHOUSE

The reference is not to specific instances of fraud, but to the prevention of possible fraud.

MR. FELL

Shall we have an opportunity of discussing this matter and thus elucidating it?

MR. HOBHOUSE

I have no power to answer that Question.

MR. FELL

On what Vote can it be raised?

MR. HOBHOUSE

I should imagine on the Foreign Office Vote, but I am not certain.

MR. FELL

Well, a fortnight ago I put down a Question on it to the Foreign Secretary, and was referred to the Treasury.