101. Mr. MacCULLUM SCOTTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government has purchased 50,000 shares in the Siberian Bank; whether the price paid or to be paid for them was 75,000,000 roubles; and what was the sterling value of the consideration paid or to be paid for these shares?
§ Mr. BALDWINHis Majesty's Government purchased 45,263 shares. An option to purchase these shares has been given to Mr. Hessen. Until the sale is completed, or the option expires, it would not, I think, be in the public interest that further particulars should be given.
Mr. SCOTTHaving broken the ice, does my hon. Friend intend to refuse to inform this House, which is supposed to be the guardian over this money, as to how much money the Government has invested in this banking enterprise?
§ Mr. BALDWINI cannot go beyond the answer which I have already given to my hon. Friend.