§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDETo ask the Secretary to the Treasury, if in view of the fact that for many years past under arrangement with the Treasury the joint stock banks of Scotland receive in annual rotation, and hold for a limited period, the Customs and Inland Revenue moneys raised in that country, he sees any substantial objection to following a like precedent in Ireland in the case of Land Purchase moneys; and whether he is prepared to instruct the Treasury authorities to make arrangements under which, year about, the approved joint stock banks of Ireland shall be appointed receivers of Land Purchase moneys, with 676 the understanding that interest at a fair rate shall be paid upon all lodgments.
(Answered by Mr. Runciman.) The Bank of Ireland is bylaw the banker of the Government in Ireland. Consequently there is no necessity to distribute Government business among a number of banks in that country, as is done in Scotland, where no single bank occupies a position corresponding to that of the Bank of Ireland. Purchase annuity instalments under The Irish Land Act, 1903, may be remitted through any bank, and a statement to that effect is printed on the receivable orders.