§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a Treasury Minister, or person appointed by the Government, or any Treasury official had any contact with any member of the board of either Barclays bank, Barclays de Zoete Wedd, Salomon Brothers specifically, or any other bank, in the 36 hours prior to the announcement of ERM entry on 5 October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeTreasury Ministers, persons appointed by the Government, and Treasury officials have frequent contacts with board members of British and overseas banks. We do not generally publish details of such meetings. I have no evidence that any such contacts led to premature disclosure of the Government's intention that sterling should join the exchange rate mechanism. If the hon. Member has any such evidence, he should present it forthwith to the appropriate authorities.