§ 59. Mr. HENRY M'LARENasked how many cases during the past three years arrears of Crown rents in Wales have been demanded of over five years' standing, and in how many cases of over fifteen years' standing, and who is responsible for the accrual of such arrears?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANDuring the past three years there have been three cases in which demands have been made for arrears of Crown rents in Wales of over five years' and under fifteen years' standing; and twelve cases of demands for arrears of over fifteen years' standing. The responsibility for the accrual of such arrears rests partly upon the local collectors and partly upon the Office of Woods in London. Most of the rents did not exceed a few 413 shillings a year, and the accrual of arrears occurred in consequence of changes of ownership and of difficulties in identifying the premises liable, which are in private ownership, and are rather vaguely described in the old records.
§ 60. Mr. HENRY M'LARENasked whether, in the case of arrears of Crown rents of long standing in Wales, the decision as to whether a claim shall be prosecuted rests with the Department of Woods and Forests in London or with the local collector of rents; whether the local collector of rents is paid a fixed salary or by commission on the amount recovered; in how many cases have erroneous or false claims been made; and in how many such cases has any expression of regret or apology been tendered by the Department to the persons concerned when the claim has been withdrawn?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe decision referred to in the question rests with the Office of Woods in London. The local collector is paid by commission on the amount recovered. Claims which turned out to be erroneous have been made in four cases within the last three years and withdrawn. It does not appear that in any of these four cases a formal expression of regret or apology was tendered by the Department, but mistakes of this sort are, of course, much regretted, and every endeavour will be made to avoid them in future.