51. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the two new financial corporations to assist in the re-equipment of industry after the war, he will make some stipulation, when giving permission for the subscription of the money, that some part of the capital be offered and allocated to the general public in addition to and distinct from the few large institutions in which the general public have no stake.
§ Sir J. AndersonNo, Sir. I do not think such a public offer would be either convenient or appropriate.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is a general principle that no moneys can now be raised without permission from the Treasury, and that if the Treasury gives permission to a selected few and denies it to others, there is a very important point of principle at stake?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is part of a very much larger question, and if a question is put on the Paper on that subject, I shall be very glad to give it a considered answer.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is real discrimination and is quite undemocratic, and that there is no justification for it?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat is real argument.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the fact that Ministers who were late have had an opportunity of answering their Questions, can those of us who have inadvertently missed our Questions have an opportunity of asking them?
§ Mr. SpeakerI am afraid I cannot allow that; it would mean starting Questions all over again.
§ Mr. QuibellThe hon. Member looks none the worse for it.