§ LORD COLCHESTERMy Lords, I beg to ask the Lord Chancellor whether His Majesty's Government have any objection to continue up to the present date the publication of the Calendar of Enrolled Trust Deeds as contained in the Report of the Deputy-Keeper of the Records in 1871. This is a complete record down to the year 1865 of public endowments of all kinds, including those known as charitable in the more popular sense of the word, and also charitable endowments in the larger sense. The record for which I ask would be interesting, not only historically, but in other practical ways. In connection with the subject of education, it would show the endowments available both for primary and secondary education, and the restrictions, if any, to which they are subject. There is, however, no public record since the date mentioned. I do not know whether there would be any objection to publishing the further record for which I ask, except on the ground of expense; but, if the number of trust deeds is very large, then I think their publication would be worth the expense, and if their number is small, the expense is not worth ! considering.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)In reply to the noble Lord's Question, I may say that I have received a letter from the Deputy Keeper of the Records, stating that a communication has been made to the Treasury on the subject, and I have no doubt that that communication will be met in a spirit which will enable the thing to be done.