HC Deb 07 June 1894 vol 25 cc585-6
SIR G. BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether there is any objection to a Return being prepared and" presented to this House showing the proportions of Government Stocks held respectively by persons domiciled within and outside the United Kingdom?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) Oldham

I am informed by the authorities of the Bank of England that a Return on the subject would involve an immense amount of labour, and it would be very misleading for two reasons: (1) because many foreigners conceal their identity by causing their investments to be made in English names; and (2) the ownership of Stock Certificates to Bearer cannot be ascertained. Under these circumstances, it seems doubtful whether such a Return would serve any useful purpose.