HC Deb 19 June 1911 vol 27 cc30-1
Mr. GEORGE TERRELL

asked the total amount of the depreciation on the stocks and shares which the Birkbeck Bank held on 28th April, 1909, and which it continued to hold on the date of its closing, the stocks and shares on both dates being respectively valued at current market rates?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I have made inquiries of the Board of Trade, and I am informed that the Birkbeek Bank, at the date of its closing, held a very large number of different stocks and shares; and to ascertain the total amount of depreciation on the stocks and shares which the Bank held on the 28th April, 1909, and which it continued to hold on the date of its closing, would entail a very considerable amount of labour. It is consequently impossible for me to give the answer to the hon. Member to-day. All the members of the Official Receiver's staff and all the officials of the Birkbeck Bank are at the present moment working at the highest pressure, but if the hon. Member will repeat his question on a future day, with ample notice, I shall be very glad to give him the information he desires.

Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum is estimated in the assets of the Birkbeck Bank and Building Society as being invested in land, buildings, and mortgages, and what sum in Consols?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Speaking in round figures, the sum estimated in the assets of the Birkbeck Bank and Building Society as being invested in land, buildings and mortgages is £1,430,000. This includes the bank premises. The Official Receiver reports to the Board of Trade that he hopes the whole of this sum will be realised in full, without any loss whatever. With regard to the amount of Consols held at the present time by the bank, I am informed that delicate negotiations for the sale of the whole of the securities of the bank are actually in progress, and both the Official Receiver and the special manager appointed by the Court think that it is undesirable, in the interest of the depositors, that the figures of any particular holding should be made public at the present moment.