§ 42. Sir W. Davisonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any calculation has been made as to the estimated loss to the Revenue owing to the breaking up of large estates by the existing heavy Death Duties whereby there is a permanent loss of Income Tax and Surtax previously paid up to 19s. 6d. in the £ on the largest estates.
§ Sir J. AndersonThere are no statistics available of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers. I assume that he has in mind agricultural estates. It is estimated that of the total yield of Estate Duty, of about £90,000,000, about £2,000,000 is from agricultural estates.
§ Sir W. DavisonWill my right hon. Friend have regard to the fact that it is a mistake not to choose one system or the other and that he is killing the goose which lays the golden eggs by these heavy Death Duties, whereby he is receiving much less Income Tax and Surtax than he was prior to the taxpayer's death?
§ Mr. StephenWill the right hon. Gentleman consider presenting a large estate to every citizen in the country in order to get more Income Tax and Surtax?