HC Deb 08 October 1909 vol 11 cc2454-5W
Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the steward of the Manor of Bolingbroke in the Duchy has recently demanded fines and fees amounting to £35 11s. 10d. in respect of an admittance to a copyhold property of the saleable value of £60 from the widow of John Darley, a village innkeeper, whose total net estate is under £15; whether he is aware that this widow has 11 children, of whom one is an invalid and five are under the age of 12 and wholly dependent on her; and whether he will in future endeavour to discontinue such treatment of the copyhold tenants of the Duchy?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am aware that the steward of the Manor of Bolingbroke has demanded £22 10s. for fines and £13 s. 10d. for fees on admission to a copyhold property held of the Manor of Bolingbroke. I do not know the saleable value, but I am informed that the property is let at £10 a year. John Darley, to whom the property was left by his father in 1908, did not take admission as he should have done, and consequently on the admission of his devisee two sets of fines and fees became payable.