§ Mr. BurnettTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what increase in revenue is expected by the use of original death certificates instead of solicitor-certified copies in the administration of estates; [R] [151175]
(2) what representations he has received on the abolition of the use of solicitor-certified copy death certificates; [R] [151174]
(3) what steps he is taking to protect estate assets before the granting of representation is issued; [151168]
(4) what information he collated relating to fraudulent practice among solicitors in the administration of estates when solicitor-certified copy death certificates have been used, prior to deciding to end the use of solicitor-certified death certificates. [151169]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 6 February 2001,Official Report, columns 494–95W. Solicitors could give financial institutions early notice of a death by letter or electronically, as they would have to do when the registration of a death is delayed by an inquest. The evidential value of a letter would be at least the same as a photocopy death certificate.