asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of the Land Valuation Department in the year 1916–17; and what is the estimated cost of the same Department in 1917–18, including in each case items of expenditure charged on other Votes?

The cost of the Land Valuation Office for the year 1916–17, inclusive of expenditure charged on other Votes, was, approximately, £315,000, and the estimated cost for the year 1917–18 is £370,000. These amounts include sums of about £55,000 for 1916–17 and about £105,000 for the present year in respect of the salaries of men serving with His Majesty's Forces.

asked what was the yield of the Increment Value Duty, of the Undeveloped Land Duty, and of the Reversion Duty, respectively, in the year 1916–17; and what is the estimated yield of each of these three duties in the year 1917–18?

In consequence of judicial decisions affecting the principles of valuation of land, the assessment and collection of Undeveloped Land Duty have been suspended, and the yield of the Increment Value Duty and Reversion Duty has been diminished. The figures for the latter duties are:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in referring to the retrospective character of the 80 per cent. increase of the Excess Profits Duty, he intended to refer to the accounting period or the date on which the accounts are rendered, e.g., suppose a company's financial year ends on 31st December, and its accounts to that date are not issued till April, would any excess profit realised in 1916 as shown by the accounts be subject to a 60 per cent. or 80 per cent. duty?

The rate of duty depends on the accounting period in which the profits arose, not on the date on which the accounts may happen to be rendered. In the case of an accounting period ended on 31st December, 1916, no part of the excess profits will be liable to the increased rate of duty.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) whether the Licences Compensation Commission has issued several awards dealing with cases in Scotland which the Treasury refuse or delay to recognise, so that the people who are entitled to the compensation have to do without it; and, if so, will he see that this matter is put right speedily?

No awards by the Defence of the Realm (Licensed Trade Claims) Losses Commission, Northern Division, have been received so far by the Treasury which have either been refused or in regard to which has there been any delay to recognise.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) what is the number a titles registered at the Land Registry in the County of London in each of the years 1915 and 1916, showing absolute, qualified, good leasehold, and possessory titles separately in each year, and the value of the property dealt with and the acreage in each of the said years?

issued the following particulars: