HC Deb 13 May 1914 vol 62 c1097
26. Lord A. THYNNE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that Sir Homewood Crawford, honorary solicitor to the King Edward VII. Memorial Committee, made application to the Inland Revenue authorities to forego the Stamp Duty on the deed of conveyance from the city corporation to the Right Honourable Sir Vezey Strong, on behalf of the memorial committee, of the land for the public park at Shadwell, having regard to the purposes for which the land was to be used; is he aware that the Inland Revenue authorities refused the application on the ground that they had no power to grant the same; and that the said Stamp Duty, amounting to £700, was paid on the 2nd April; and whether, in the circumstances, he can see his way to remit the amount so paid?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

I understand that the facts are as stated in the question. There is, no provision of the law which would enable me to accede to the Noble Lord's suggestion that the amount of the Stamp Duty should be remitted.

Lord A. THYNNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this £700 had not been paid to the Treasury it would have been spent on increasing the amenities of the park for the benefit of the working-class population?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I take that from the Noble Lord, but unfortunately I have no power to remit the duty at all.