§ 3.10 p.m.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that the Postmaster General has a discretionary power, under the Savings Bank Act, 1887, to allow repayment of a deceased depositor's moneys not exceeding £100 at the date of death, without production of a Grant of Representation that, when the £100 was fixed, Estate Duty was payable on estates of above £100, whereas now an estate of £5,000 is free of Estate Duty and if they will accordingly amend the law to bring the out-of-date concession into line with modern values.]
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (VISCOUNT BLAKENHAM)My Lords, the Government are actively considering the suggestion implied by the last words of the noble Lord's Question. As the noble Lord will appreciate, this involves a number of different Statutes and bodies besides the Post Office.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, does "actively considering" mean "considering sympathetically"?
§ VISCOUNT BLAKENHAMThis matter is receiving the consideration of Ministers. They have not yet reached a conclusion, but as soon as they do I will let the noble Lord know.