§ 91. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the estate of the late Sir Thomas Glen Coates, who died at Paisley in July of last year, had to be re-valued at £1,725,600 on the net addition of £50,974 to the original value of £1,674,806; and if he can state who is responsible for making the mistake?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon Member is under a misapprehension in believing that any mistake has been made in connection with the valuation of the estate referred to for purposes of the Death Duties. At the time when the inventory of the estate was lodged it was stated by the executors that there were further assets, the value of which could not at the time be ascertained, and they undertook to lodge a corrective affidavit and pay the additional duty in respect of those assets when the value was ascertained. The increased value of the estate in question is due to the added value of the further assets, and not to a re-valuation of those originally disclosed.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs someone not liable to be prosecuted for not sending in correct information?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs it not a fact that in nine cases out of ten the executors lodge corrective affidavits, and that in nearly every case that goes before the probate authorities a corrective affidavit is necessary.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am afraid that I swore one myself only last week, and I hope that I shall not be liable to prosecution.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWas it a correct one?