§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURYasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is 1448W aware that the proprietor of the Rose Hotel, Folkestone, died on the 29th December, 1908, and that estate duty amounting to £57 10s. 8d. was paid on obtaining probate; that it was subsequently ascertained that his estate was hopelessly insolvent, and that ultimately proceedings were taken to have it administered in Chancery for the benefit of the creditors; that the administration has now been completed, and that an order was made on the 15th November last directing that the executors should apply for, and when obtained, lodge in court the amount (£57 10s. 8d.) overpaid by them for estate duty, to be apportioned among the creditors; that an affidavit applying for the return of the estate duty was lodged at Somerset House on the 26th October, 1911, and that the frequent applications for the return have been met by the reply that it was necessary to revalue the Rose, Folkestone, which the executors' solicitors allege has nothing to do with the return of estate duty; and whether he will direct the Department to refund the money?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI am informed that repayment of the sum to be refunded, which amounts to £53 1s. 7d., is being made forthwith.