HC Deb 01 March 1928 vol 214 cc587-8
30. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount collected from agricultural land for Death Duties in 1913, and the amount collected from the same source in 1926 or for the latest year in which figures are available?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)

It is estimated that the Death Duties paid on such land amounted to about £1,250,000 in the year 1913 and to about £3,250,000 in the year 1926. My hon. and gallant Friend will bear in mind that since 1913 the rates of Estate Duty have been increased on three separate occasions; but that when they were raised to their present level in the Finance Act, 1925, special relief was accorded to agricultural land, leaving the agricultural value liable only at the rates fixed by the Finance Act, 1919.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is that simply on land and not on buildings at all?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, I think that is so.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Does the answer take into account the large areas of agricultural land, the owners of which have converted themselves into limited private companies, so that the Death Duties fall upon shares and not on agricultural land?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think I must have notice of that question.