§ 91. Mr. PRETYMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether widows of officers losing their lives in the War, and whose estates are exempted from Death Duties as being under £5,000, are still being compelled to pay the duty; and whether, in view of the hardship and inconvenience this causes, he will see his way to remit the duty in these cases rather than refund it at a later date?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Acland)Relief is regularly given by way of remission, except in the rare cases where probate is desired in advance of the recommendation from the War Office or Admiralty on which the claim to relief is dependent.
§ Mr. PRETYMANIs it not possible to make this remission in the first instance? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that widows of officers literally without money are being asked to pay probate to obtain relief?
§ Mr. ACLANDNo, Sir, that is just what I have said. Relief is regularly given by way of remission.