§ 35. Mr. SAMUEL ROBERTSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in 406 view of the low record price of Consols at present prevailing, he will consider the desirability and necessity of fixing a date of maturity to the annuities, it being the opinion of bankers and others that Consols bearing a fixed date of redemption, even though distant, would be more stable in price than under present conditions?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. S. ROBERTSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the general opinion in the City is that some fixed period of redemption is desirable?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI went into the matter with a number of bankers a short time ago, and I was surprised at the diversity of opinion. I have had suggestions on these lines, but I have found that other bankers have criticised them very severely.