§ Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether any decision has been arrived at by the authorities at Somerset House with regard to the removal of the old testamentary records from that registry to the Public Record Office; if so, when it is intended to transfer the same; and, after such transference has taken place, what authority will grant literary permits for the district probate registries?
Mr. YOUNGThis question has been engaging the attention of a Committee recently appointed by the Lord Chancellor and the President of the Probate Division, whose Report is now under consideration. No decision has, however, yet been reached on the first point raised in the hon. and gallant Member's question; and it would therefore be premature to deal with his two further points. I may add that the suggested transfer of records would, in any case, require legislative sanction.