§ Mr. J. G. BUTCHERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he was aware that, owing to the uncertainty which exists as to the rates of Estate Duty, Settlement Estate Duty, Succession Duty, and Legacy Duty, in respect of the estates of persons dying on or after the 30th April, 1909, grave inconvenience was being experienced by the executors of the persons so dying and their legal advisers, and the winding-up of such estates was being seriously delayed, and the interests of the beneficiaries were being injured; whether, to prevent the continuance of this un desirable state of things, he would at the earliest opportunity introduce the Finance Bill of 1909 into this House, or such part of it as related to the duties mentioned above; and whether if he should decline to take this course, he would undertake either that the increased rates of the above-mentioned duties should not apply to persons dying before the 30th April, 1910, or that no interest on the amount by which such duties were increased should be demanded or become payable?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEI am not aware that there is any such inconvenience as the hon. and learned Member alleges. As regards the second part of the question, I have already informed the House when the Finance Bill will be reintroduced and the objection to introducing a part of it separately from the rest. The answer to the third part is in the negative.
§ Lord HUGH CECILWhat is the objection to introducing some of the Resolutions earlier than others?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEAs I have already announced, some of the Resolutions must be introduced earlier than others.
§ Lord HUGH CECILWill he lose no time in introducing those Resolutions which are most necessary in the public service?
§ Mr. LLOYD-GEORGEThe Noble Lord has already asked the Prime Minister that question, and he has got his answer on that point.
§ Lord HUGH CECILNo; I understood I have not.