§ 55. Mr. H. MORISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under the temporary regulations of the Stock Exchange no security is a good delivery unless accompanied by a declaration that it has remained in physical possession in the United Kingdom since the 30th September, 1914, and has not, since the outbreak of war, been in enemy ownership; whether such regulation applies to stocks and shares which are put up for sale by public auction; and, if not., will he consider the advisability of extending the regulation to such sales?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Treasury have frequently drawn public attention to the fact that it is most undesirable in the national interests that securities which have not been in continuous physical possession in the United Kingdom since 30th September, 1914, should at present be sold in this country either through the Stock Exchange or through any other channels. The Treasury's wishes have, in general, met with loyal acceptance. The importation into this country of securities (other than maturing bonds and coupons payable in the United Kingdom) is prohibited under the Prohibition of Import (No. 21) Proclamation, and for a long time past no securities could be imported from neutral countries without a declaration that they had not been in enemy ownership since the outbreak of war.