§ 35. Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total area of land within the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Duchy owns approximately 50,000 acres of land, made up principally of 35,000 acres of agricultural land.
§ Mr. SkinnerDoes the Minister agree that some of the money accruing from that land is part of a carefully constructed tax avoidance scheme for the Queen? Is he 661 satisfied—we are not—with the fact that the Queen is able to take part in this tax fiddle while any ordinary person has to pay tax—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman should rephrase his question. If he wishes to make a direct criticism of any member of the royal family, he should do so by way of a substantive motion. Of course, if he rephrases his question we shall have to listen to it.
§ Mr. SkinnerWith regard to this carefully constructed tax avoidance scheme, will the Minister bear in mind the fact that any ordinary citizen would have to pay up to seven years' back tax? For 40 years the Queen has not had to pay a penny. The least we are entitled to is seven years' back tax.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe report of the royal trustees with regard to tax matters is in the Vote Office. The answer to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question is no, and to the second part yes.
§ Dame Elaine Kellett-BowmanWill my right hon. Friend acknowledge that the Duchy is an outstandingly good landlord, whose tenants were delighted when, not long ago, the duke turned up for tea? Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the fact that the Duchy fund benefits many thousands of good causes and charities throughout Lancashire and that the recipients of benefit bitterly resent Labour's constant attacks on it?
§ Mr. WaldegraveAs usual, my hon. Friend speaks for Lancashire. I suspect that if there were a Duchy of Yorkshire we might hear more sense from the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).
§ Mr. SkinnerMy constituency is in Derbyshire. Mr. Waldegrave: Derbyshire, then.