§ Mr. MULDOONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the difference which exists in the practice of the Probate Division of the High Court in England and the same court in Ireland; whether he is aware that it is the practice in Ireland to supply persons interested with the schedule of assets and residuary accounts of deceased persons at a fixed scale, and that this practice is useful in preventing frauds; whether he is aware that in England the practice is to refuse such schedule of assets or accounts; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to make the procedure in both countries the same?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGESo far as the Department for which I am responsible is 1679W concerned there is no difference in practice. Information furnished to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for revenue purposes is treated as confidential, and the contents of affidavits or accounts are not disclosed to third persons without the written authority of executors or other accountable persons by whom the accounts were delivered. On the general question I would refer the hon. Member to an answer given on 17th March, 1887, by the then Attorney-General.