With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 38, 39 and 40 together.
Where a depositor in the Post Office Savings Bank dies intestate and the balance in his account exceeds £100, the statutory regulations require the production of letters of administration before payment is made. This is not necessary in cases of nominations, joint or trust accounts or where is certain circumstances, a claim is made by the husband of a deceased depositor.
Where the balance in a sole account does not exceed £100 and the depositor has not executed a nomination, inquiries are made as to whether letters of administration have been extracted. Where extracted, the Letters of Administration are inspected before payment is made. If it is intended to obtain Letters of Administration, a statement of the balance in the account is issued for inclusion in the Schedule of Assets for estate duty and payment is made to the administrator when the grant issues.
If it is not intended to take out administration, a registrar's certificate of death is required, and in cases of sole accounts inquiries are made as to whether the depositor left next-of-kin; particulars of the degree of relationship together with their names, addresses and ages are required. Payment is made to the person or persons entitled according to the status of distribution or at common law, provided no claim has been received for funeral expenses, or in respect of public assistance. Reimbursement of the amount of the funeral expenses is made to the person who paid them, if required, or his consent is obtained before distributing the balance in the account.
I am not aware that the practice in the Savings Bank has deprived anyone lawfully entitled to benefit from the account of a deceased depositor, or that the purpose of the law governing estate succession has in any way been defeated by such practice. I am satisfied that the balances in the accounts of deceased depositors are disposed of in accordance with the statutory regulations made under the Post Office Savings Bank Acts.
It is difficult to deal with this complicated matter through Parliamentary question and answer. If the Deputy has a complaint arising out of a specific case, I shall be glad to have the matter fully investigated.