§ 15. Mr. CURRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the solicitor who obtained a promise of payment of commission on subscriptions to the recent War Loan is Mr. Horatius Stuart, 134, George Street, Edinburgh; and whether he has now been able to investigate the circumstances, and, if so, with what result?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer understands that the Bank of England are awaiting a communication from the Society of Solicitors of the Supreme Courts of Scotland on this matter. In the meantime no commission has been paid to the gentleman referred to.
§ 16. Mr. CURRIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury is aware that investors who wish to avail themselves of the Government's decision that War Loan and Consols may for the future be held in a certain way not hitherto competent are charged a special fee; and whether the Treasury, in view of the desirability of rendering investment in War Loan as easy and simple as possible, will abolish such charge?
§ Mr. ACLANDMy right hon. Friend sees no sufficient reason for asking the Bank of England to waive the small fee payable to them for the work entailed by the special arrangements referred to, which have been made expressly to meet the convenience of allottees.
§ Mr. CURRIEMay I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has considered whether a charge of this nature, which is of an unusual nature in the case of an original certificate of any kind, is likely to render nugatory the intentions of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
§ Mr. ACLANDI will represent the hon. Member's view to my hon. Friend.