§ 54. Mr. Bellengerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the German Government are to take steps to recover foreign share-holdings in the Reichsbank; and whether any similar powers are contemplated by His Majesty's Government with respect to any shares in the Bank of England held abroad?
§ Sir J. SimonIn reply to the first part of the question, I have no information beyond what has appeared in the Press. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. BellengerIn view of the importance of that matter in relation to national credit and finance, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to ascertain "whether any part of the Bank of England share-holdings is in foreign ownership?
§ Sir J. SimonI believe that the amount, if any, is quite infinitesimal, and whatever the size of anybody's holding, it only entitles him to one vote.