§ 32. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Attorney-General whether police investigations into the affairs of the Elgar Birthplace Trust are completed following the report of the Charity Commissioners; and what action he is taking.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe police inquiries into this complex matter are continuing. No decision can be taken about further action until those inquiries are completed.
§ Sir G. NabarroDoes not my hon. and learned Friend realise that the matter has been in the hands of the police for more than 12 months, that it is not as complex as he suggests and that all the trustees, including myself, are struggling with the operation of trying to reconstruct the trust? Cannot he do anything to expedite completion of the inquiries?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI appreciate my hon. Friend's concern in the matter. He will recall that it was only last July that the inquiry conducted by Mr. Settle on behalf of the Charity Commissioners was completed. Certain difficulties have subsequently arisen due to the absence from this country, now concluded, of one of the people concerned in the investigation. My hon. Friend can be assured that the matter is being pressed forward as expeditiously as possible.