§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Attorney-General if he will publish in the Official Report the figures for the total return on the capital fund managed by the Public Trustee for the investment of funds held by the court; whether there is any comparison made between these charges and the movement of prices generally or with the retail price index; and if he will now consider legislation which would enable the Public Trustee to invest other moneys, for which he is responsible, in the capital fund.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe capital fund is one of three common investment funds for money in court and the following table compares returns on the capital fund with the retail price index for the years 1976 to 1981. The Administration of Justice Bill now in the House of Lords contains provisions enabling the Public Trustee to invest private trust money under his control in the common investment funds.
Comparison of Total Return from Capital Fund on £1,000 Invested to 31 December 1981 with Retail Price Index Capital fund per cent. Retail price index per cent. Increase from January 1976 115 110 Increase from January 1977 116 80 Increase from January 1978 78 64 Increase from January 1979 67 50 Increase from January 1980 55 27 Increase from January 1981 15 12