§ MR. LAMBERTI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of considerable delays in the Estate and Legacy Department of Somerset House; and whether he will take steps to remove impediments by adverting to the former practice of personal attendance, or some other method calculated to expedite the transaction of business.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH,) Derbyshire, W.There have been some delays in the Estate Duty Department since the 1st January, 1904, owing to extension of the office premises and to changes in the distribution of the staff consequent on such extension and on modifications of the methods of transacting business. Every effort is, however, being made to minimise delay whether attributable to these or any other causes, and the Board of Inland Revenue are confident that all ground of complaint will shortly be removed.