§ 10. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the practice of the authorities at Somerset House of refusing to pass Inland Revenue affidavits, and so making it impossible for executors to deal with the estate of a deceased person until the duty, on whatever value the officials put upon the property, is paid; and, if so, whether, in the public interest, he will consider the desirability of reverting to the usual practice of passing the papers for probate and raising the question of value afterwards?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEIt would be contrary to the public interest to pass Inland Revenue affidavits where the values offered are prima facie incorrect, and I do not think it would be advisable to depart from the present practice.
§ Mr. S. ROBERTSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice has been recently changed, the former procedure being that as soon as the affidavit was sent in probate was issued forthwith and the question of values was settled afterwards?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThey say that it is not the present practice, but I will look into the matter.