§ Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the abnormal cost of the office of the Public Trustee and of the fact that its activities might be move economically and expeditiously carried out by solicitors, he will consider the advisability of abolishing that Department at an early date?
§ Sir DOUGLAS HOGGI have been asked to reply. The Office of Public Trustee was established in response to a public demand for services which cannot be rendered by solicitors. The cost of administration was increased largely by the rise in the cost of living. It has been greatly reduced during the current year by drastic economies and now involves no cost to the taxpayer. The abolition of the office would involve very great inconvenience and heavy expenditure both to the country and to the beneficiaries of the trusts administered by the Public Trustee.