§ 26. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will give the value at par in sterling, of the securities acquired, as shown in the Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 213, Emergency Powers (Defence) Finance and the acquisition price; who the securities were purchased from; how they were owned; and the closing price in New York on the date of making the Order 213?
§ Mr. Grimston (Treasurer of the Household)I have been asked to reply. It is not in the public interest to state the total value of the securities acquired. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is that they are being purchased from individuals and corporations resident in the United Kingdom, who are the owners. The answer to the fourth part is that the sterling prices shown in the Order were obtained by converting the last price bid in the New York Market before the making of the Order.
§ Mr. SmithWill the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to reconsider that reply in order that the public of this country may be enabled to check up on these transactions?