HC Deb 15 May 1941 vol 371 c1251
41. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will secure a return from the clearing banks for the period 30th June, 1940, to December, 1940, of the highest and lowest charges that they make to agricultural borrowers?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not consider that he would be justified in asking the banks to spend the necessary time and labour in the preparation of such a return.

Mr. De la Bère

Is the Financial Secretary aware that it is seldom too early or too late to speak the truth? Is not the real truth that the Treasury do not want to obtain this information for the House of Commons?

Mr. Stokes

Is it not a fact that the Treasury have this information and that as the Chancellor has already given an average figure he must know the highest rate? The Treasury do not want to give it.

Sir I. Albery

Is it not a fact that Members could obtain the information from their banks?