§ MR. MACLIVERasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If the Government is prepared to carry out the proposal made to the Scotch Chartered Banks for replacing their private issue of notes by a public issue framed to meet the special requirements of Scotland; and, whether a similar provision will be made for England in any future legislation on the subject?
MR. GLADSTONESir, this Question refers to a subject of great interest in Scotland, and is of considerable importance as a matter of principle. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to give au answer on the subject, until we may see our way a little as to the time when we may be able to act. On subjects of this kind it is not desirable to announce positive intentions on the part of the Government until the time when they can be acted on. I may, however, say that undoubtedly the convictions, intentions, and desires of the Government are in the direction indicated by the hon. Member's Question.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman can answer the Question without Notice; but I should like to know whether it is true that the Scotch unlimited banks have agreed to reregister under the Companies' Act of 1879? I see it has been mentioned in the papers.
MR. GLADSTONEYes, Sir; we are inclined to believe that is so; but we have not any official information on the subject.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI will put a Question on the subject in a day or two.