§ Mr. Farrasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement of his policy relating to the tax position of sites of special scientific interest; and in particular, if he will confirm that all such sites are automatically eligible for capital transfer tax relief.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesRelief from capital transfer tax and capital gains tax is available if claimed on transfers of land which in the opinion of the Treasury is of out-standing scientific interest. The question whether a site of special scientific interest falls within this definition is a matter for the Treasury, after taking advice from the Department of the Environment and the Nature Conservancy Council. The reliefs are conditional on an undertaking being given as to the maintenance of the land and the preservation of its character and for affording reasonable access to the public.