§ Mr. POLLOCKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Estate Duty account re Elizabeth Finch was sent to Somerset House in April last after the district valuer had made his provisional valuation, under the Finance Act, on 4th March, 1912; that the secretary of the Estate Duty Office, by letter dated 3rd May, 1912, addressed to Messrs Heath and Blenkinsop, solicitors, of Warwick, D.B. 605,400/12, File 60,496/12, stated that the matter had been referred to the valuation branch as a matter of form, and that there would not be any delay in deciding the value of the real estate and in passing the Estate Duty account; and that the matter has not yet been dealt with; and if he will explain the delay and state why so long a time has been occupied, and take steps to have the matter completed?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI regret that there has been delay which should have been avoided in dealing with this case. Instructions have now been given for it to2502W be expedited, and the matter will be completed in the course of a few days. Steps are also being taken which will obviate delay in clear cases of this nature in future.