§ Q2. Mr. Michael Morrisasked the Prime Minister whether she has any plans to meet the Public Trustee.
§ The Prime MinisterI have no such plans.
§ Mr. MorrisIs my right hon. Friend aware that the financial performance of the Public Trustee leaves much to be desired? Bearing in mind my right hon. Friend's great success in denationalisation, does she not think that it would be in the interests of the beneficiaries and the nation if the work of the Public Trustee were wound up and given over to the private sector?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the beneficiaries wish to transfer their trusts from the Public Trustee to the private sector, of course they are able to do so. Some take that course. My hon. Friend is right in thinking about the possibility of transfer to the private sector. An attempt was made to transfer the work to the banks in 1972, but, alas, that was not successful. In the meantime, the work of the Public Trustee is declining, but he is the trustee of last resort. Until we can make proper arrangements for other people to do his work he will have to remain the Public Trustee. If such arrangements are possible, we shall consider them.
§ Mr. BidwellIf the right hon. Lady finds time to meet the Public Trustee, will she meet the auditor of the London borough of Barnet—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is not an open question. It is about the Public Trustee.