Bankruptcy, Bubbles and Bailouts: The Inside History of the Treasury Since 1976 - Paperbackby Aeron Davis (Author) The Treasury is one of Britain's oldest, most powerful and most secretive institutions. It has played a central role in shaping the country's economic system, yet all too often it has escaped public scrutiny. The Treasury is often presented as a bedrock in times of crisis, rescuing the nation's finances from posturing politicians and the combustions of world financial markets. However, there is another side to the story.