§ 10. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for War what discussions have taken place to dispense with the Guards' picquet at the Bank of England.
§ Mr. SoamesBecause of the reduction in establishment of the Brigade of Guards, the number of men needed for public duties was reviewed. The Bank picquet was included in this review, and on this point the Governor of the Bank of England was consulted. It has been decided to continue the picquet.
§ Mr. LiptonIs the Secretary of State aware that the Bank of England is getting the services of seventeen men for a thirteen-hour-shift nightly for a total expenditure by the Bank of 54s.? That does not seem to be anything like a trade union rate for the job. Will the Bank of England at least pay for the expense that public funds incur in this relic of the past?
§ Mr. SoamesThere have been a number of raids on banks recently, but there has not been a raid on the Bank of England since 1780.