HC Deb 14 May 1985 vol 79 c86W
Sir David Price

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what information he has about the French dation scheme and how it compares with the British acceptance in lieu scheme; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if, in view of the fact that no public expenditure is involved, he will take steps to end the practice of charging to the current expenditure Votes of the Department of the Environment and of the Office of Arts and Libraries, respectively, the cash equivalent of the objects accepted in lieu of capital tax liability;

(3) what have been the results of the Government's reexamination of the arrangements whereby part of the cost of acceptance in lieu is met from current Votes, referred to by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 24 April.

Mr. Moore

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster announced on 24 April that the Government would be looking again at the arrangements whereby part of the cost of assets accepted in lieu of tax is met from the Votes of the Department of the Environment and the Office of Arts and Libraries. The review is under way, and will take appropriate account of the French dation scheme.