HC Deb 10 July 1928 vol 219 cc2046-7
45. Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total sum now contributed to the National Debt Reduction Fund, inclusive of the amount recently donated by Lord Inch-cape?

Mr. SAMUEL

Additional contributions to the original £500,000 National Fund for reduction of the National Debt which was announced in the Press on 7th February last have been received to the amount of £795. The Elsie Mackay Fund of £500,000 for reduction of the National Debt, which was announced by my right hon. Friend on the 3rd July, will be separately constituted. Apart from these special accumulating funds, the total gifts from individuals received from the outbreak of war to the present date amount to £1,109,337, of which £625,960 was received in the form of securities, and the balance in cash.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Has my hon. Friend's attention been called to the statement in the Press that certain obligations have been undertaken on behalf of the estate in question, and, if so, is he prepared to justify the acceptance of the full sum until those obligations have been fulfilled?

Mr. SAMUEL

I have not seen the statement to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Without making any reflection whatever on Lord Inchape, may I ask whether the Treasury alone have authority to accept or reject such a gift?

Mr. W. THORNE

Do donations given in this way escape Death Duties?

Mr. SAMUEL

I think that the hon. Members had better put those questions down.

Captain ARTHUR EVANS

Is it not the fact that, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced this gift in the House, he said that Death Duties had already been deducted?