30 AUGUST 1986, Page 17

. . . Beecham's bills

FINANCIAL reconstructions, of course, can be difficult. Philip Hill was the West End financier who backed Beecham (it is still the trust's biggest investment, and became its weak point) after the troubles of the founding family. Sir Thomas, music- al son of a pill-pushing baronet, was told by his accountant: 'I have studied the figures closely, but there is one thing I must ask you. Do you owe, or are you owed, two million pounds?' Beecham stroked his beard: 'The answer to both your questions, my dear fellow, is yes.'