HC Deb 06 May 1941 vol 371 cc700-1
55. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation to compel the Bank of England to prepare and print every six months, a list of the holders of its share capital, together with a supplementary list showing the beneficial owners thereof, and to make such lists available for the inspection by any member of the public, gratis, at the bank's premises within ordinary business hours?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir.

Mr. Stokes

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that the shareholders of this institution are reputed to be largely of foreign origin or are foreigners themselves? Is there any means by which Members of Parliament can ascertain the names of the shareholders of the Bank of England?

Sir K. Wood

I do not think there is any ground for that statement, but if the hon. Gentleman has any information, I shall be glad if he will give me particulars. There are some 16,000 shareholders of this institution, and I doubt very much whether the hon. Gentleman's statement is true of them.

Mr. Stokes

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, whether there is any means by which Members of Parliament can ascertain the names of the shareholders of the Bank of England?

Sir K Wood

I will inquire, and if I have anything to communicate, I will inform the hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the duty of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give these particulars to the hon. Member?

Sir K. Wood

I have no doubt that the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) will be able to look after himself.

Mr. Stokes

Mr. Speaker, in view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not clear on this point, may I ask you whether there is any means by which a Member of Parliament can extract the information for which I have asked?

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.