HC Deb 09 March 1937 vol 321 cc972-3
50. Mr. David Adams

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the public advantages derived from the Birmingham municipal bank, he will introduce legislation whereby other local authorities may be enabled to establish similar institutions?

Mr. Chamberlain

Legislation of this character would, in the opinion of the Government, be best left to private Bills.

Mr. Adams

Are we to understand from that answer that, in the opinion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the benefit of this excellent socialistic institution should be restricted to Birmingham?

Mr. Chamberlain

That is not a fair deduction from my answer.

Mr. Johnston

Is it not the case that the right hon. Gentleman, when the Birmingham Bill was being promoted, had extraordinary difficulty in getting that private Bill through this House?

Mr. Chamberlain

No, I do not think that that is the case.

Mr. Thorne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Birmingham Corporation promoted the Bill they had many friends in this House?