§ Mr. PRETYMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had made inquiries as to the alleged counting of hedgerow trees by the staff of the Valuation Department; and whether he could now give the House any information on the subject?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAs I explained in answer to the hon. Member on the 11th instant, the valuers follow the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act. In so doing they adopt, of course, the ordinary methods of valuation. No doubt it may often be convenient, without embarking upon the census of trees which the hon. Member appears to imagine is taking place, to note the number of trees in a hedgerow.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINAre we to understand that as the result of this inquiry the Treasury admits what the Chancellor of the Exchequer denies?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI promised a particular inquiry into this matter, and I find the practice has been that in the case of extensive woodlands they have taken a sample acre or two and the number of trees have been counted, and they have taken the remaining acres on that basis.
§ Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINWe are not talking about acres of trees, but about hedgerow trees.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI thought I had made it clear that what takes place in the case of an average acre takes place in the case of an average hedgerow.
§ Mr. PRETYMANasked how many estates are now awaiting valuation for 1450 probate; and how many have been waiting for more than twelve months?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am not aware of the number of estates awaiting valuation for probate. In estates in which probate has been granted, a valuation of the realty is made for the purposes of Death Duty claims thereon, and investigations which fail to be made in the course of such valuation must necessarily take time. I understand that the number of cases awaiting valuation is somewhat above the normal; but now that the Valuation Department is better equipped and in working order, it is hoped that the valuations will be made expeditiously.
§ Mr. PRETYMANIs it not possible to give a specific answer. If I put the question down again will the right hon. Gentleman answer it as to how many cases are now waiting and how many have been waiting for twelve months?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI will endeavour to obtain the information for the hon. Gentleman if he will put the question down for the day after to-morrow.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to a suggestion that the valuation of land, under the Budget of 1909, might be utilised for the purpose of a land registry; and whether he sees any objection to such a course?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEHis Majesty's Government have this suggestion under consideration.