HC Deb 23 April 1913 vol 52 cc340-1
34. Mr. ROYDS

asked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer will give figures showing the estimated annual increase in the cost of the Valuation Department of the Estate Duty Office as reorganised in the spring of 1909, compared with the annual cost of such Department previously?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

The Valuation Department of the Estate Duty Office, established in 1909, has been merged in the General Valuation Staff, and it is not possible to form an estimate of the proportion of the cost of that staff which is attributable to work in connection with valuation for Death Duty purposes.

Mr. ROYDS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he stated in the year 1909, in regard to this Department then set up, that it was efficient and responsible for the large increased yield in Estate Duty receipts?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I stated yesterday what the explanation was.

Mr. ROYDS

The right hon. Gentleman stated yesterday that it was the Valuation Department set up in 1910 that was responsible for the increase. The Department referred to was that set up in 1909 before the passing of the People's Budget.

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Certainly; that is the Department which is doing the work.