§ SIR EDWIN CORNWALL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the existing order as to probate fees, is over thirty years old, and that, while ad valorem court fees are chargeable, under it (in respect of personal estate), no such fees are levied on real estate comprised in a probate of letters of administration; if he will take steps to provide for the issue of a new order by which ad valorem court fees may be levied rateably on both real and personal estate; and if he will have such new order framed in. such a way that the ad valorem court fees may increase; instead of decrease proportionately with the value of the real and personal estate.
(Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I am aware that the existing table of fees is more than thirty years old, but it Was 1151 reaffirmed by the Supreme Court Fees Order of 1884. Under the Act 38 and 39 Vict., c. 77, s. 26, the fees are fixed by the Lord Chancellor with the advice and consent of the Judges of the Supreme Court, or any three of them, and with the concurrence of the Treasury. It there-fore does not rest with the Treasury to take the initiative in proposing any alteration, but, as at present advised, I see no sufficient reason for proposing an increase in the total amount of the fees.