§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his estimate is of the net yield per annum from the issuing of death certificates(a) before and (b) after the decision not to authorise the photocopying of death certificates; [148546]
(2) what factors underlay the decision of the Economic Secretary not to authorise the photocopying of death certificates; and if he will make a statement; [148543]
495W(3) how many offences involving (a) the fraudulent use of photocopies of death certificates and (b) the fraudulent use of photocopies of death certificates endorsed by solicitors have been committed in each of the last 10 years; [148545]
(4) how many representations he has received (a) in favour of and (b) against the decision of the Economic Secretary not to authorise the photocopying of death certificates. [148544]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonHer Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) Guidance on the Copying of Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates (October 1999) stated that it was Government policy not to authorise the copying of certificates. I received one representation against that policy. After considering this representation, I concluded that it would be inappropriate to allow solicitors to photocopy death certificates issued in England and Wales for endorsement and use as evidence of death. One representation against this decision has been received.
No estimate of the yield per annum from the issuing of death certificates has been made and information about the fraudulent use of photocopied certificates is not held centrally. The policy is based on the potential use of photocopied certificates for fraud and not on commercial considerations.
The Government have a responsibility to reduce the potential for fraud. A death certificate is a certified copy of an entry in a death register. Under statute it may only be certified by the registrar who holds the register and the Registrar General who holds a certified copy of the register. Similar provisions apply to birth and marriage certificates. Photocopies can conceal alterations to original certificates and will by-pass the security features—watermarks, fugitive inks—so that fraudulent use is unlikely to be detected. Misrepresentation of documents is an important element in fraud relating to identity and status. Authorising any use of photocopied certificates for evidential purposes will signify Government approval of the practice and increase their potential use for fraud. For this reason, it has been decided that the photocopying of documents for evidential purposes should not be authorised. Representations by solicitors about the cost and inconvenience when administering an estate were considered. Any inconvenience is regretted but is outweighed by the public interest in limiting the opportunities for fraud.
Certificates of recent events are readily available from a registrar in England and Wales at a cost of £3.50. All income from registration fees, including certificates issued at Register Offices, is paid to local authorities. The fee levels are reviewed every year and adjusted to ensure that the income continues to recover half the costs incurred by local authorities in providing the service.