§ Mr. FELLasked what were the names of the three Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt who signed the minutes of the last meeting and at which meeting the said Commissioners were not present?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAs I have already informed the hon. Member there are no formal meetings of the National Debt Commissioners. The last meeting of the Commissioners took place on 12th October, 1860, when there were present Mr. Gladstone, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Governor and Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England at that date. The last Minute of the Commissioners was dated 11th April, 1911, and was signed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Governor of the Bank of England, and the Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England.
§ Mr. FELLWere not the minutes to which the question referred those relating to 18th April; is not that the last meeting of the Commissioners, and did they not meet and sign the minutes of a meeting purporting to be held last January?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe hon. Member asks me to what minutes his question refers, although there are no dates given in it. I am afraid he must put his dates down in his next question before I can answer.
§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURYIs it not the fact that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue attend regularly at the office in Lothbury, and manage the business of the National Debt.
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo; the Commissioners of the Inland Revenue have nothing to do with the management of the National Debt. That is done by the Secretary and Comptroller, who is specially freed from any dependence upon any person except the Chancellor of the Exchequer.