§ MR. H. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his proposals for a more frequent publication of the accounts of Joint Stock Banks are confined to the London Banks, or whether they extend to all the Joint Stock Banks in the United Kingdom?
§ MR. GOSCHENMy appeal for more frequent publication of the accounts of Joint Stock Banks was made without any distinction as to the locality of the banks; but I mainly had the London 1063 banks in view. I am glad to say that I have every reason to believe that the London Joint Stock Banks will consent to monthly publication. With regard to the country Joint Stock Banks, I understand, though they have the matter still under consideration, that they are in general reluctant to adopt a monthly publication, but would consent to a quarterly publication instead of half-yearly publication as at present in vogue.
§ MR. H. H. FOWLERI am informed that the action of the London banks will rather depend on what the country banks propose to do.
§ MR. GOSCHENI understand that the London Joint Stock Banks have practically agreed to a monthly publication, subject to their agreeing on the particular form of account.
§ MR. ATKINSONMay I ask whether the country banks have not unanimously decided for a three-monthly publication?
§ MR. GOSCHENI understand that that was the recommendation of the Committee, but the country Joint Stock Banks themselves have still to be called together with reference to the final conclusion.