HC Deb 27 November 1911 vol 32 cc33-5
Mr. GODFREY LOCKER - LAMPSON

asked whether persons who sent in returns in reply to Form IV. will be entitled to have them back on application?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary gave on the 22nd instant to the hon. Member for North Islington.

Mr. NEWMAN

asked whether, in view of the fact that the recent decision of the Court of Appeal does not affect the validity of Form IV. as issued in Ireland, he can state whether it is his intention to press for any fine or penalty in any case where the form has been delivered but not filled in or returned within the appointed period?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

In any case in which Form IV. is not filled in and returned within the appointed period, and the valuation is thereby hindered, the necessary steps will certainly be taken to remove this cause of delay.

Sir JOHN LONSDALE

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state in how many cases was the information demanded in Forms IV. and VIII., now declared to be invalid, obtained under direct threat of enforcement of penalties; and whether any penalties have actually been enforced for refusal or neglect to make these returns?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

It is not possible for me to say in how many cases Forms IV. and VIII. were issued in circumstances that have been held to make them invalid, and I cannot, therefore, answer the first part of the hon. Member's question. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

Colonel CHALONER

asked whether His Majesty's Government propose to restore to those who have made them returns under Forms IV. and VIII. for the purpose of duties on land, declared by the Courts to be null and void and waste paper, which returns have been obtained by a misrepresentation of the law and by threats of penalty in case the returns were not made; and whether the officials who have made these unlawful demands for returns, accompanied by threats, will be either dismissed, fined, or censured, or in any other way made sensible of their misconduct in making requirements unwarranted by law?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am not in a position to make any statement as to those Forms IV. and VIII. which have been held to be invalid until the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have been duly advised. There has been no misconduct in connection with the issue of these forms.

Sir EDWARD CARSON

Will the information obtained by these illegal forms be used by the Government?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think the answer I have given covers that. Of course, we have naturally taken advice upon the subject.