§ In the field of death duties I am proposing to remove the hardship which can arise when two persons such as husband and wife die together, perhaps in an accident, and the law has to presume that the elder has died first. In some such cases it can happen that death duty is levied twice. I propose to provide, in effect, that in such cases death duty shall be levied once only.
§ I propose, also, that what is known as the existing "quick succession" relief, which gives relief from Estate Duty on a graduated scale where real property or business assets pass on successive deaths within five years, shall be extended to cover other forms of property that pass in like circumstances. This will cost £1½, million this year and £3 million in a full year. Both these changes will take effect on deaths occurring after today.