§ MR. HEYGATEasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, If he can state to the House what number of Joint Stock Banks have announced their intention of registering under the Act of last Session; and, whether Her Majesty's 1441 Government contemplate any further legislation with reference to the liability of Joint Stock Banks.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI am not in possession officially of any information as to the number of Joint Stock Banks that have announced their intention of adopting the Act. But I have received an intimation upon which, I believe, I can rely, and from which I learn that since the passing of the Act 22 English unlimited liability banks have decided to register under the Act. The paid-up capital of these banks amounts to £11,000,000, and the total paid-up capital in English unlimited liability banks amounts to £20,800,000; so more than half of these banks have decided to avail themselves of the Act of last Session. It is not at present in the contemplation of the Government to propose any fresh legislation with reference to the liability of Joint Stock Banks?