§ SIR EDWARD WATKIN (Hythe)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether there is any reason why lists of the names and addresses of the holders of National securities, with some note against the names of holders of (say) over £2,000, should not be annually printed and published, and be 1264 purchaseable by holders of such securities, or by others, especially considering that Parliament has already imposed upon the holders of Railway property, possessing a total capital larger than the "National Debt," a similar obligation?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)The case of the holders of Government Securities is not analogous to that of the holders of railway property, the latter being partners, whose interest it is to assure themselves as to the position and solvency of their co-partners, a necessity which does not apply to the case of persons holding Government Stocks. Under these circumstances, I do not see that there is any public object to be attained by the suggestion of the hon. Baronet which would be sufficient to justify the expense and trouble of preparing the information; and I am informed that the information, if furnished, would facilitate frauds and forgeries. Thus, as at present advised, I cannot undertake to give effect to the suggestion.