HC Deb 14 March 1918 vol 104 c479
50. Major CHAPPLE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will require all banks to give a return of the amounts of their unclaimed balances, in order that he may ascertain whether any considerable sums could be added to the Exchequer to meet the increasing expenses of the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As inquiries made by the Treasury indicate that the amount which might be forthcoming from this source is not likely to be substantial, I am not prepared to adopt the course suggested in the question.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what is the amount of the unclaimed bank balances, and if he cannot say now will he be prepared to answer if I put a question down?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.