§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if the Government have satisfied themselves that equity was done to the L'Herault family by the decision whereby a sum of over £5,000 passed on intestacy 1161 to the Crown; and if the matter can be reconsidered on behalf of the legatees of Madame L'Herault?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) OldhamMadame de L'Herault was granted the real estate of her deceased husband and one-half of the personal estate to which she was entitled. Advertisements were published for next of kin, and several inquiries have been hold before successive Attorneys General, at which claims were put forward by persons claiming to be such, but none have hitherto been proved, and in the meantime the remaining moiety of the personal estate is retained on behalf of the Crown. The interest on this sum was, however, paid to Madame do L'Herault till her death. Several applications have been since received on behalf of her legatees, but Mr. Justice Madden advised that the claims of Mrs. de L'Herault were fully considered and liberally dealt with. The same view has been taken by his successors, and I am therefore unable to recommend a reconsideration of the case.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYIs it not a fact that Madame L'Herault's property was brought into the settlement, was seized by the Crown and confiscated on the intestacy of her husband, that a charge was made upon her for its regrant, that she made a will while living, and was she not entitled to leave it to whom she pleased? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this case? I understand the Attorney General was Madame L'Herault's counsel, but cannot the Solicitor General be instructed to inquire into the matter.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI will consider whether this can be done.