§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what addition has been made to the staff of the Inland Revenue for the valuation of estates since the introduction of the Finance Bill last year; how many valuers have been specially appointed for land valuation; and what is the total permanent charge on the revenue involved?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)In reply to the first and third parts of the question I may refer the hon. Member to pages 40, 46, and 52 of the published Revenue Department's Estimates for 1910–11. I may add that the professional valuation of real estate has already proved a salutary safeguard to the revenue from Death Duties. No appointments have yet been made in connection with Part I. of the Finance Bill.
§ Mr. LAWSONCould the right hon. Gentleman give the permanent charge involved?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI am afraid I could not do that now. Perhaps the hon. Member will put his point as an unstarred question.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEIs the right hon. Gentleman still of opinion that the valuation of the United Kingdom can be completed within four years?