HC Deb 01 September 1909 vol 10 cc358-9
Mr. REES

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the military, naval, and civil services are largely staffed by the sons of ex-members of these services, who are generally men whose means are such that they with difficulty provide allowances to enable their sons to enter the Naval and Military services, and that the collection of Death Duties, with retrospective effect over five years, in respect of such allowances, will prejudice this class and affect the supply of officers for these services; and, if so, whether the Government will reconsider the provisions of the Budget in this behalf?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

My right hon. Friend does not see his way to introduce any special exemption on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.

Mr. REES

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that widows of officers who have deserved well of their country are often left with about £500 a year, upon which they struggle to put their sons into the services; and that the Death Duties already amount to about a year's income?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is making a speech.