§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people have died intestate and had their estates transferred to the Duchy of Lancaster in each year since 1992. [1204]
16W
§ Dr. David ClarkFigures for the years 1992 to 1994 were given to my hon. Friend in a written answer on 7 June 1995,Official Report columns 258–259. Figures for the six month period 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1995 and for the year 1995–96 are as follows.
The number of intestate estates, the value of which, after disposal of assets, was transferred to the Duchy of Lancaster and which are referred to as 'closed cases' was as follows:
- 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1995: 75.
- 1995–1996: 305.
The number of cases reported to the Solicitor for the affairs of the Duchy of Lancaster for the same period was:
- 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1995: 148.
- 1995–1996: 405.
The number of estates which devolved to surviving blood relatives—kin—for the same period was:
- 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1995: 22.
- 1995–1996: 73.
The six month period 1 October 1994 to 31 March 1995 was due to a change in the Duchy accounting year.
Records are maintained by reference to the date of reporting and of closing cases, not necessarily to the date of death.