§ Mr. NEWMANasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the price quoted on the Stock Exchange for 2¾ per cent, and 3 per cent. Irish Land Stock; whether such stocks possess a national guarantee fully equal to that of 2½ per cent. Consolidated Stock; and whether he can state, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, that under no circumstances will Irish Land Stock be issued with other than the full guarantee it now enjoys?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe credit of the various stocks which possess directly or indirectly the guarantee of the Consolidated Fund cannot, I think, be regarded as other than equal. But there are various reasons, often connected with the existence of opportunities for ready sale, which induce the market to show a preference for one or other of them. I fear I cannot see what purpose would be served by the statement suggested by the hon. Member.