§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people have died intestate in the latest years for which figures are available whose estates have transferred to the Duchy of Lancaster. [26731]
§ Mr. David HuntRecords are maintained by reference to the date of reporting and of closing of cases, not necessarily by reference to the date of death.
During the last three years for which figures are available, the number of intestate estates the value of which after disposal of assets was transferred to the Duchy of Lancaster, was, for the year commencing 1 October in each case:
- 1991–92: 148
- 1992–93: 148
- 1993–94: 131
These are also referred to as "closed cases".
The number of cases reported to the solicitor for the affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster for the same three years were:
- 1991–92: 425
- 1992–93: 421
- 1993–94: 388
The cases referred to as "closed" above were not necessarily included in those reported in the relevant three years.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many estates under the intestacy 259W provisions in the County Palatine passed to the Duchy in 1993–94 and 1994–95; and how many devolved, after investigation, to surviving blood relatives. [26725]
§ Mr. David HuntThe number of estates which passed to the Duchy in 1993–94 were 131. The figures are not yet available for 1994–95.
The number of estates which devolved to surviving blood relatives—kin—in 1993–94 were 32.
These 32 estates were not necessarily reported as closed during the year 1993–94. Of the total number of cases reported in 1993–94–388—some will be included in the "closed cases" for that year; some in the cases which devolved to surviving blood relatives—kin—after administration; some would have remained under administration at the end of the year; and the balance would have been transferred to blood relatives before administration was completed.