§ 54. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Treasury approval was sought before con-tango facilities were revived on the London Stock Exchange.
§ Mr. JayNo, Sir. The question of Treasury approval did not arise, as this is a matter in which the Stock Exchange is responsible for its own procedure.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the Minister say what public interest is served by widening the scope of this unnecessary and unproductive speculation?
§ Mr. JayI think this is a case mainly for the Stock Exchange, rather than for the Government. It is a fact that the market for these securities is improved by this practice.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if there was any consultation both with the Treasury and the Bank of England before reverting to this pre-war practice?
§ Mr. JayWe were informed that it was likely to happen, but did not think it necessary to express any opinion.