§ 56. Mr. Bellengerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the national interest, he will take steps to ascertain what proportion o1: the Bank of England capital is held by or on behalf of foreign interests.
§ Sir J. SimonAs. I have already stated, the amount of foreign holdings of Bank of England shares is believed to be quite trifling, and I do not think that the action suggested by the hon. Member is necessary.
§ Mr. BellengerDoes that indicate that the right hon. Gentleman prefers to remain in ignorance of these facts?
§ Sir J. SimonIt means that I know that, in substance, what I am saying is right. If the hon. Member will look at the Macmillan Committee's Report, he will find that at that time foreign holdings of bank stock, out of a total of £14,500,000, amounted to £57,000; and I understand that since that date there has been no appreciable change.