§ MR. J. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state on what grounds the Treasury objects to asking the Bank of England and the other banks of the three Kingdoms whether they are willing to supply voluntarily to Parliament statements showing in each case the total value of unclaimed balances since the foundation of the bank; the interest which would have accrued to each account if it had not been dormant; the total value of the drafts and bills of exchange remaining unpaid, and interest thereon; the value of banknotes issued and not presented for repayment, with interest thereon; the value of unclaimed stock and dividends held, with interest thereon; and the estimated value of the plate and other valuables held by the bank and unclaimed.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) As there is no power to compel the banks to make such a return, I am not prepared, as at present advised, to invite them to do it voluntarily.