HC Deb 22 September 1931 vol 256 cc1461-2
64. Mr. GEORGE OLIVER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he bas taken steps to carry out the recommendations of the Macmillan Committee with regard to ascertaining the amount of foreign balances and foreign liquid assets held in London in sterling and publishing the aggregate at monthly intervals; and, if so, with what result?

Mr. P. SNOWDEN

The Bank of England are obtaining the figures; but, in present circumstances, it would not I think be in the public interest to publish them.

Mr. WISE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not that information was in the possession either of the Bank or of the Treasury at the time of the crisis three weeks ago?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I must decline to answer that question.