asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take on the memorandum from the National Union of Manufacturers, dated 17th December, 1951, urging full public inquiry into the disintegrating effect of the liability to Estate Duty on smaller and medium-sized manufacturing concerns, and some immediate measure of relief pending the result of such inquiry.

My right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make a statement on this matter.