§ Mr. MOONEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the fact that, notwithstanding what the Government have done fo the Stock Exchange, they are forcing their members to charge a minimum rate of interest of 7½ per cent, for carrying over ordinary stock; and whether he can do anything to prevent them charging this rate, seeing that 2 per cent, is the deposit rate allowed by banks?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI understand that the rate referred to in the question is charged only in the case of loans without margin. Regard being had to this fact and to the fact that the borrower receives the privilege of continuing the loan in full without regard to the current market price of the security until after the end of the War and to other circumstances of the Stock Exchange position, I do not think that the rate can be regarded as unreasonable.