§ 19. Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked under what head in the National accounts the land acquired by the State in substitution for cash payment of Death Duties under Section 56 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, are shown; what is the total acreage and value of the land so acquired; and how the valuation is arrived at?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo lands have been acquired by the State in substitution for cash payment of Death Duties under Section 56 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. As indicated in reply to questions asked in this House on the 22nd and 30th October, 1912, and on the 16th July, 1913, land is not actually accepted in payment of Death Duties, although the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, as representing the Crown, are willing to act as intermediaries for the transfer of land offered under the Section quoted to any public department or authority who may desire to purchase it. The land referred to by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his reply of the 17th instant to the hon. Member for Blackburn, consists of 4 acres, 2 roods, 2 poles, and was transferred to the Somerset County Council. The valuation was agreed by the Valuation Department of the Inland Revenue, the purchase-money was applied in payment of, and entered in the National accounts under the head of Death Duties.