HC Deb 19 May 1960 vol 623 cc128-9W
Mr. Holman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what part of gifts inter vivos which failed to escape death duties during the latest year for which figures are available was contained by estates exceeding £100,000.

Sir E. Boyle

About a quarter.

Mr. Holman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of gifts inter vivos which failed to escape death duties during the latest year for which figures are available were, respectively, within one, two or three years of escaping duty.

Sir E. Boyle

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Holman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates would have been the cost to the Exchequer of the Estate Duty concession which is contained in this year's Finance Bill had it been in operation during any previous year or period of years.

Sir E. Boyle

It is estimated that the proposed relief for gifts inter vivos would have cost about £1¾ million a year on average over the five years 1954–55 to 1958–59.