§ 37. Mr. Caryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will free from the payment of Death Duties the estate of any person killed in action, or who dies as a result of service in the field?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my predecessor to a similar Question on 2nd November last, of which I am sending him a copy. He will see that Estate Duty, in the case of an estate of a member of the Forces dying on active service, is not payable unless the value of the estate exceeds £5,000; in respect of the excess over £5,000 it is payable at a reduced rate. I would also remind him that these provisions are being extended by Clause 62 of the Finance Bill to mariners and fishermen.
§ Mr. CaryDoes my right hon. Friend possess discretionary power which can be used to make the law a little more flexible or generous than it is at the present time?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir, I do not possess that power, but the point put by my hon. Friend is met, to some extent, as he will see, in the answer which I am sending him.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonThe whole duty ought to be remitted.