§ MR. MONTAGUI beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that several Turkish Stocks are being converted or paid off, he will take similar measures with regard to the Turkish Four per Cent. Guaranteed Stock and Drawn Bonds, on which an excessive interest continues to be paid by this country jointly with Prance?
§ MR. GOSCHENThe Turkish Guaranteed Loan of 1855, of course, stands on a footing wholly different to that on which other Turkish Stocks stand, and so is in no way connected with any conversion which may be in contemplation for them. But, as has been previously stated to the House, Her Majesty's Government would gladly avail themselves of any suitable opportunity which may occur of placing the Guaranteed Stock on an improved basis, and though such an opportunity has not yet occurred, the question is one which is present to the minds of Her Majesty's Government with a view of coming to some arrangement with the French and Turkish Governments, which are both concerned in the matter.
§ *MR. MONTAGUIs it not possible to pay off these Bonds upon which this high 674 rate of interest is being paid and hold them over in some Government Department pending a future settlement with France?
§ MR. GOSCHENI think that such a course would be scarcely possible, but it may be possible to come to some arrangement about them.