HC Deb 20 February 1945 vol 408 cc626-7
58. Sir John Mellor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will issue on tap, with an appropriate rate of interest, a long term stock carrying to the personal representatives of the applicant a non- transferable right of surrender at par in payment of Estate Duty.

Sir J. Anderson

I have noted my hon. Friend's suggestion but I doubt whether it is a practicable one.

Sir J. Mellor

Will my right hon. Friend agree that the Government would not lose anything by such an issue, because if the applicant died the Government would keep his money, and would merely cease to pay interest upon it?

Sir J. Anderson

It is not a question of whether the Government would be likely to lose, but whether to attach a nontransferable right in the manner suggested in the Question would be practicable.