§ 9. Colonel YATEasked how far the Treasury balances in the hands of the Secretary of State for India have been reduced since 1st October last; and whether the hon. Gentleman can give a list of the short-term loans called in and of the firms holding them between 1st October and 31st December, 1912, and a list of the short-term loans and deposits, and the names of their holders, held by approved borrowers on 1st January, 1913?
Mr. BAKERThe reduction of the Treasury balance in the hands of the Secretary of State from 1st October, 1912, to 13th January, 1913, was £6,588,896—i.e., from £13,630,484 to £7,041,588. The statement asked for in the second part of the question is being circulated with the Votes. On 1st January, 1913, there were no deposits with banks. As regards loans on security at that date, I would repeat the statement made in reply to a question on 5th November, that the relation between the Secretary of State and the approved borrowers, whose names have recently been published, is similar to that between a bank and its customers, and is therefore regarded as confidential. If the hon. Member should still press for publication of this further information, it will be circulated with the Votes. Otherwise I shall be glad to show it to him privately.—[See Written Answers this date.]
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEHas the reduction in the balances in any way been due to the publicity given to the matter in this House?