§ 51. Mr. R. MCNEILLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session for the purpose of making it illegal for our present enemies to open banks or to carry on the business of banking in the United Kingdom after the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt would be impossible to deal with the question of banking alone and the Government do not propose at present to deal with the general question.
§ Mr. McNEILLHas the Government any intention of dealing with the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe general question must certainly be dealt with, but obviously I should have thought at the present stage of the War it would be more important to find the money.
§ Mr. MCNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance on behalf of the Government that it is part of their policy to carry out legislation on these lines?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I say, the matter has not been considered by the Government, and it is impossible, therefore, to give the opinion of the Government as a whole. It is obviously a subject which must be dealt with, but whether it will be dealt with by this Government or a later one, I cannot say.