HC Deb 09 March 1965 vol 708 cc212-3
2. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now make a statement on the progress made in his consideration of the establishment of a State-run unit trust.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. James Callaghan)

I am not yet ready to add to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond) on 15th December, 1964.

Mr. Hamilton

Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that he is speeding up his investigation of this important problem? Does he appreciate that the small saver is very anxious to participate in this kind of scheme, particularly if the shares are for sale at post offices in small units of 5s., 2s. 6d., or even 1s.?

Mr. Callaghan

Yes, I am much obliged. I am going into this with very great care and a great deal of information has been made available to us. I should prefer not to make a statement yet.

Mr. William Clark

If a national unit trust is brought into being, will the Chancellor confirm that no undue advantage will be given to it as opposed to private trusts?

Mr. Callaghan

I think it is far too early to start talking in that way. I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman would have welcomed the imaginative ideas coming from both sides of the House on this matter.