Hello I'm Krestey Young and this is a podcast from the Desert Island Discs archive.

For rights reasons, we've had to shorten the music.

The program was originally broadcast in 1989,

and the presenter was Sue Lolly. My cast away this week is a former Chancellor of the Exchequer. He held the office for six years during which time he engineered

fundamental changes in our system of taxation. His position was described by his leader as

unassailable, but only after he had taken the sudden

decision to resign.

In one sense, his unexpected exit suited the man.

He's never courted popularity and has been described by admirers and critics alike as a loner, someone apart.

They appear to be united about another aspect of his Nigel Lawson.

Nigel Lawson.

Mr Lawson, you're so often described.

In fact, I think you've described yourself as a solitary person.

I can only presume that being a castaway would suit you down to the ground.

I don't think it's something that I would choose to be but perhaps I could adapt to it more readily than some yes.

What about the practical side though of life on the island? I can't quite imagine you

hewing wood and shinning up trees. No I'm not much of a handyman. I am pretty

adaptable, but I'm not much of a handyman. I don't know whether I would manage or not, but it would be a challenge which might be fun for a time, but not for too long.

And you're not one to shirk challenges?

No.

How far does that solitriness I was referring to run through your life?

Obviously it exists and has existed professionally.

...