§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that until recently an employee in the office of the Official Receiver, 33, Carey Street, claimed fees for administering oaths to persons calling at the office in connection with the business of the Department; and whether the appropriation of fees by an employee is in accordance with the Rules of the Service?
§ MR. MUNDELLAI am aware of the circumstances. The employee in question, who is not a permanent Civil Servant, but holds a position on the personal staff of the Official Receiver, is a solicitor, and as such holds a Commission to administer oaths in the High Court of Justice. The fees in question are not fees due to the Department or payable in respect of official services, but are personal fees, payable to such Commissioners. The practice in question has, however, been discontinued, the Lord Chancellor having made arrangements by which proofs of debt under the Companies (Winding-up) Act can be sworn free of charge by officers of the Official Receiver's Department.