Major NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of and approves the continued pressing by the Inland Revenue authorities for Increment Value Duty; is he aware that, in a case where land was bought at £500 before the War, for which there was no sale during the War and which has cost the owner £25 a year in interest charges, mak 1230W ing in four years £100, the Revenue authorities, when the land is sold for £590, i.e., an actual loss to the owner, after allowing 10 per cent., i.e., £50, claim Increment Value Duty on the remaining £40; and will he give instructions that all such claims are to be suspended till the Inquiry that he promised has been held?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSubject to the pledge given by the Prime Minister on the 21st March, 1916, with reference to cases falling within the Lumsden judgment, Increment Value Duty is being assessed and collected in accordance with the provisions of the existing law, and I am not prepared to suspend collection of duty, as suggested in the question