§ 68. Mr. D. MASONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present amount of the Floating Debt, i.e., Treasury Bills, Ways and Means advances, and Treasury currency notes and certificates; and whether, in view of the prospects of peace and the probable increased demand for loanable capital, His Majesty's Government intend to take any steps for the funding of the above Floating Debt before such an event takes place?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Floating Debt outstanding on 19th October, 1918 (i.e., 780 Treasury Bills, Ways and Means advances and War Expenditure Certificates) was £1,470,088,404; the currency notes and certificates outstanding on 16th October amounted to £283,771,841. It is not possible for me to make any statement at present in reply to the last part of the question.