§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has received any complaints as to the fees charged by the steward of the Duchy on surrenders and admittance to copyholds in the manor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, of which the Dukes of Lancaster are lords of the manor; if so, will he see that a scale of fees is drawn up definite in amount and based on ancient usage and custom?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the DUCHY of LANCASTER (Mr. Hobhouse)I have received no complaints as to the fees charged by the steward of the Duchy on surrenders and admittance to copyholds in the Manor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, though my hon. Friend has sent me some papers which show that there is one case of complaint of the non-production of details. The present scale of fees is definite in amount, and has been in force since 1st May, 1894. A copy of it is always available for inspection at the office of the deputy-steward in Hanley.
§ Mr. BOOTHMay I ask if the same scale applies to the borough of Pontefract where the same lord of the manor rules?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI am afraid I shall have to have notice of that question; I should imagine it does, but I cannot say for certain.