HC Deb 27 June 1949 vol 466 cc827-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Henry Strauss (Combined English Universities)

In view of the anxiety to make good progress with this Bill, I shall not delay the Committee more than a minute or two, but I think it would be inappropriate to pass the Clause without someone expressing on behalf of the National Trust our appreciation that the law is being improved in this way. The Clause is of great importance and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has shown that he, at any rate, realises the valuable work that the National Trust is doing. I hope he will convey to his colleague in charge of another Bill that view of the National Trust, because it is not held by all his colleagues to quite the same extent that he shows he holds it, by this very welcome Clause.

Mr. Keeling (Twickenham)

I wish to endorse what my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Combined English Universities (Mr. H. Strauss) has said. May we take it that property exempted from Estate Duty by this Clause will not, for the purpose of determining the rate of Estate Duty, be aggregated with other property passing at the death?

7.0 p.m.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Speaking on behalf of my right hon. and learned Friend, I would say that he is delighted that this Clause has received such universal support and is commended in quarters which normally do not look favourably on what he does. In reply to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling), these gifts are not aggregated.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.