§ MR. ATKINSON (Boston)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the paragraph in Saturday's Times, saying— 1232
There is reason to believe that the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not propose-to give legislative effect to the suggestion that private banks should be compelled to publish periodical balance sheets,if this statement is correct; and if he intends to try to give legislative effect to any suggestion that Joint Stock Banks should be so compelled?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover SquareI believe it will be unnecessary to exercise any compulsory powers as to the more frequent publication of balance-sheets, as I have reason to believe that the Joint Stock Banks will themselves act in this direction. I have heard rumours to the effect that my hon. Friend informed the banks that they need not fear that I should be able to bring any compulsion to bear on them; and I must not be lured by the question into any declaration that in no case would I ask Parliament for compulsory powers; but I shall be most gratified if the Joint Stock Banks should, as I expect they will, meet public opinion and the circumstances of the day of their own accord.