§ 53. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a number of persons are withholding subscriptions from the new War Loan as a protest against the shortage of good beer and the continuance of the 50 per cent. increase in railway fares; and whether he will consider the question of removing these two grievances before the closing of the lists?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)I have made careful inquiries into this point and I find there is no evidence that subscriptions to the new Loan are being withheld on account of these alleged grievances. The second part of the question does not therefore, arise.
§ Mr. BILLINGWould the right hon. Gentleman say from whom he made these inquiries?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINFrom those who have been engaged in conducting the loan campaign.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman enter into a compact with me that if he will rescind these obsolete war restrictions I will obtain him a satisfactory guarantee of a hundred million bonds?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think the hon. Member could do that at least without any help.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYMay I say that the right hon. Gentleman locks with favour on the scheme I am now propounding for this purpose?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid I have no knowledge of the hon. Gentler man's scheme.