§ Mr. Hendryasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what general directions have been given by the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for the administration of the estates of deceased persons falling to the Crown as ultimus haeres, particularly in regard to ex gratia payments to friends of the deceased who have no legally enforceable claim against the estate.
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§ Mr. GreenA detailed practice which has been evolved over the years is followed in making ex gratia payments from these estates. The general effect is to recognise equitable though unenforceable claims which in the case of friends must ordinarily be based on evidence of services to the deceased or of his intention to benefit the applicant.