§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a Question of which I have given him private Notice, and which I have been asked to put by some of the 1366 sufferers by the failure of the late Western Bank. They are anxious to know if he can give any information as to when the affairs of that bank are likely to be settled, as they say that all the debts belonging to them have long since been paid, and that the liquidators have many thousands of pounds in their hands belonging to the unfortunate shareholders, which they are anxious to get as quickly as possible.
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINThe right hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, aware that the Board of Trade has no control whatever over these proceedings. I have endeavoured since I received the right hon. Gentleman's letter to obtain information from private sources, but have been unable to obtain any of importance. The matter is in the hands of the liquidators, and perhaps the best course would be to communicate directly with them.