§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Cheque Bank went into voluntary liquidation in December last, but that no payment has yet been made to the holders of their cheques, though the amount in hand is sufficient to pay all in full; and that much is held by persons who can ill afford to be kept out of their money, and whether he can take any steps to expedite the distribution.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)I understand that the voluntary liquidation of the Cheque Bank is being continued under the supervision of the Court, but as no compulsory order has been made, the Board of Trade have no control over the liquidators, and I am unable to take any steps to expedite the distribution of the funds.
§ MR. BARTLEYAre we to understand that a matter like this may go on for months without anything being done?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe Board of Trade have no control. I am a sufferer myself.