26. Mr. C. WASONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that for generations past banks have had stored in their vaults vast quantities of plate, specie, and jewellery of great value, and that it is beyond possibility that such securities will ever be called for; and if he will appoint an expert Committee to 1497 confer with some of the leading banks as to the best method of utilising such securities in the public interest and also to inquire into the probable amount of unclaimed dividends in the hands of accountants employed in winding-up bankrupt estates, etc.?
§ Mr. McKENNAFor the reasons stated in my answer to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Donegal on the 28th June, 1915, I am not prepared to take steps of the nature suggested. Inquiries which have been made from time to time clearly indicate that the popular idea of the amounts involved is very much exaggerated. As regards bankrupt estates, unclaimed dividends are not held by trustees in bankruptcy, but by the Board of Trade.