48. Mr. F. HALLasked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the proposed sale of the Deepdene estate, of which Box Hill forms part; if he is aware that the reason assigned for this decision by Lord Francis Hope, the life tenant, is the fact that the Undeveloped Land Tax was imposed for the express purpose of compelling landowners to break up such estates as this; if claims for Undeveloped Land Duty have in fact been served on Lord Francis Hope; and, if so, whether, in view of the advantage derived by the public from the existence of such areas as Box Bill, he will introduce legislation to exempt them from the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George, for the Prime Minister)My attention has been called to this matter. No Undeveloped Land Duty has been charged in respect of Box Hill, which is exempt from that duty on account of the public access now allowed thereto. The claims that have been made on Lord Francis Hope have been in respect of other land owned by him.