HC Deb 09 March 1937 vol 321 cc971-2
48. Sir W. Davison

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the general dissatisfaction at the unduly high valuations placed by Government valuers on the unrealisable assets of a testator when valuing for Death Duties; and whether, in fairness to the taxpayer, he will arrange that, in the case of disputed valuations, the Treasury will accept such assets in payment of Death Duties at the figure placed upon them by the Treasury valuer?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Chamberlain)

I am not aware of any general dissatisfaction in this matter, and, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, there is a statutory right of appeal in cases where it is considered that a valuation is too high. I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the second part of the question.

Sir W. Davison

Can my right hon. Friend say in what way the Treasury would be damnified by taking over property in payment of Death Duties at the value which they themselves have put upon it?

Mr. Chamberlain

I should prefer that my hon. Friend put that question upon the Paper.

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