§ 48. Mr. THURTLEasked the Prime Minister if the Government are prepared to take action to compel the Bank of England and the discount bankers of London to make a, special contribution to the national finances in the present emergency?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn common with all other business concerns in the country, these institutions are already subject to taxation, and will be liable to the special increase proposed in the present Budget.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that as a matter of equity a specially heavy impost should be placed on these institutions and persons whose errors of judgment are so largely responsible for our present troubles?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot anticipate the Debates on the Budget Resolution.
Mr. ALLENIs the Prime Minister able to estimate the additional profits made by the banks and the insurance companies as a result of the return to the gold standard?
§ 49. Mr. WISEasked the Prime Minister whether the advice of the Economic Council was asked, concerning the financial crisis, on the measures suggested as necessary by the bankers in order to secure foreign credits; and whether any alternative proposals were suggested or considered by the council?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him in reply to a supplementary question on the same subject on Thursday last.
§ Mr. WISEDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall that he did not directly answer my question, to which the answer is either "yes" or "no"?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have just refreshed my memory. It was a must direct answer to the hon. Member's question.
§ Mr. WISEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recall that he gave a general reply, that he had consulted his own experts? The question is whether the Economic Council was formally consulted?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is the question I have answered.