HC Deb 15 July 1915 vol 73 cc1098-9

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That a sum, not exceeding £o, be granted to His Majesty, to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1916, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Office of Public Trustee." [NOTE.— £5 has been voted on account.]

Mr. HOGGE

This is a very interesting subject to the public. I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the success which is attending this Department from year to year. I do not know whether this Department has gone into its new offices yet. Perhaps my hon. Friend can say when it is likely to do so. He may also give us some interesting information which will help to emphasise the, as far as I know, great confidence that is reposed in this public officer by a large number of people in this country. We in Scotland would like a similar official appointment there, but, of course, that is irrelevant to this Debate, and I will not pursue that subject. I should like if my right hon. Friend could say something publicly with regard to this office. It is one of extraordinary growth, which appears likely to have an extraordinary future, and which is being watched very carefully and very sympathetically by a large number of people who have money to leave for administration purposes to those who come after them. If the right hon. Gentleman can say something with regard to it, I am perfectly certain that it will be appreciated by the public outside.

Mr. MONTAGU

I am afraid that the only information which I could give my hon. Friend which would be of any value would consist of figures. These would show, as he has said, the very marked growth of this office. I am sorry to say that I do not carry these figures in my head, but I should be glad to obtain for him any information which he may desire, and I should like to endorse the words which fell from his lips as to the great success which has attended this office. It is quite obvious that from one end of the country to the other the work of the Public Trustee has not only gained the confidence, but the increasing confidence of those who avail themselves of his service, and there are constant suggestions for increasing by legislation the sphere of his activities. With regard to the new offices, I hope that the staff will be in them shortly.

Question put, and agreed to.