asked the Attorney-General whether he will take steps to prevent the publication of wills of deceased persons.

No, Sir. Although there are arguments on both sides, my noble Friend and I do not consider that the case for changing the law in that way is made out.

Will my right hon. and learned Friend look at this again? Many people think that this confidential information should not be published as this is an invasion of privacy.

That is one point of view, as expressed by my hon. Friend. Nevertheless, there is a very important and, in my view, overriding public interest, and that is the possibility of abuse if wills are not published. In those circumstances, my reply is that we have no plans for introducing legislation on the matter.