Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, how much fell due to the state bona vacantia in the last year for which figures are available; how much of this was released under her discretionary powers; what plans she has to reform the law and practice relating to the application of bona vacantia; and if she will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Kidney: To ask the Solicitor-General how much fell due to the state bona vacantia in the last year for which figures are available; how much of this was released under her discretionary powers; what plans she has to reform the law and practice relating to the application of bona vacantia; and if she will make a statement. [192083] The Solicitor-General: The Treasury Solicitor's Department collected £19,106,467 from bona vacantia, after deducting expenses, in the financial year 2003-04. The Treasury Solicitor made discretionary payments of £2,697,827 in the same year. The Government has no plans to reform the law relating to the application of bona vacantia. However, the Treasury Solicitor has recently reviewed the policy on making discretionary payments from the assets of dissolved companies and is discussing with HM Treasury what changes, if any, to make to the current practice.

Secondary information