§ Mr. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that it is proposed by Congressman Hepburn to introduce legislation in the United States to prevent the evils arising from gambling in futures and options; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to take similar measures to co operate with the United States and other nations to safeguard legitimate speculations, investors and commerce generally.
(Answered by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman.) No, Sir. But, regard being had to the extreme difficulty of distinguishing for legislative purposes between illegitimate and legitimate commercial speculation, I am not of opinion that such inquiry as the hon. Member suggests would be productive of any useful result.