HC Deb 16 November 1937 vol 329 cc213-4
46. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Government loans which have been taken up at the issue price by Government Departments during each of the past three years, and the amount realised by subsequent resale to the public?

Sir J. Simon

As I explained to the hon. Member on 15th June, 1937, I cannot undertake to furnish details of this character.

Mr. Bellenger

Might I ask why the right hon. Gentleman cannot, and whether he can direct my attention to any part of the public accounts where I can find this information?

Sir J. Simon

If the hon. Member is interested in the holdings of Government Departments—I think that is the point at issue—he will find that they are published annually. I will send him the reference if he likes, but I cannot agree to give him day-by-day information. It is a well-understood principle that that should not be done.

Mr. Bellenger

I am not asking for that information. I am merely asking for information that will show what has been taken up by the Government in the way of public loans at the issue price and subsequently resold to the public. I want to find the difference.