HC Deb 04 February 1932 vol 261 cc246-7
58. Captain DOWER

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many officials are still engaged in registering transfers on the sale of land, granting of leases, and transfer and sale of leases, as required under Section 28 of the Finance Act, 1931 (land value tax); and how much this has cost the Exchequer up to date?

Major ELLIOT

37 persons are at present engaged on this work in the Inland Revenue, at an approximate cost to date of £2,000.

Captain DOWER

Although this sum is not a very large one, is it not possible to save this money, considering the serious state of the country?

Major ELLIOT

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 8th December, 1931.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

As it has been acknowledged that the land Clauses of the Finance Bill were to be dropped, why carry on this unnecessary expenditure?

Major ELLIOT

The Chancellor of the Exchequer said quite definitely "without prejudice to the merits of this plan" which had been under consideration.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that the registration and recording of the prices fetched by land at sales is of value in enabling Death Duties to be properly assessed?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Have any steps been taken with regard to the dispossessed ex-service men who have been discharged?