§ 79. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the remarks recently made by Mr. Justice McCardie on the tardy and extravagant administration of an estate by the Public Trustee, the cost having amounted to nearly 50 per cent. of its total value; and whether it is proposed to make any inquiry into the working of the Department?
§ Sir E. POLLOCKI have been asked to reply. As to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Belper on the 16th instant. I am unaware that Mr. Justice McCardie made any such suggestion. If he had 475 done so it would have been wholly unfounded. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The administration of the Department has been inquired into very recently by a Committee presided over by Sir George Murray, and comprising eminent members of the business world.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYDid that Committee consider that economies had not been effected and were very necessary?
§ Sir E. POLLOCKI have no doubt that the Department at present is conducted on the most economical basis. The figures which I have already given will show that a great deal of misconception has arisen as to the report.