Probate (Hansard, 22 March 1990)

§ Mr. Tim Smith
To ask the Attorney-General what is the delay before sending personal applicants for probate an appointment for interview; what is the reason for the delay; how many applications are outstanding; and what plans he has to offer a better service to the public.

§ The Attorney-General
The delay before sending personal applicants for probate an appointment for interview is approximately four weeks at the current time. The reason for the delay is the seasonal large influx of cases, and some staffing difficulties in the London area. There are currently 771 outstanding cases, of which 202 are ready for appointment and the remainder are being processed. Arrears are gradually reducing as a result of increased computerisation and a reorganisation of working practices.

§ Mr. Tim Smith
To ask the Attorney-General when and why the probate personal application department of the London probate registry moved from Golden Cross house to Somerset house.

§ The Attorney-General
The personal application department moved from Golden Cross house to Somerset house on Monday 11 September 1989. The main reasons for the move were(a) Economy. As a direct consequence of the move £250,000 was saved in accommodation charges and staff savings. (b) Greater efficiency. The senior probate staff, together with the judiciary, are in Somerset house and referrals to them can be made more speedily and efficiently.

§ Mr. Tim Smith
To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to amend form PA2 to reflect the move of the probate personal application department to Somerset house; what was the level and value of stationery stock at the time of the move; how many staff are employed sticking change of address labels on the stationery; and at what cost.

§ The Attorney-General
Form PA2 was amended in November 1989 and distributed during that month. The level and value of stationery stock at the time of the move cannot now be accurately ascertained. Change of address labels are stuck on as and when the forms are completed by clerical staff. The only cost of applying sticky labels to forms is that of the labels themselves, which is £164.94 for 32,000.