§ Colonel Wedgwoodasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the minima fixed for dealing in Government securities prevents the liquidation of overdrafts at a higher rate of interest and thereby hampers trade and industry; and will he consider taking steps to obviate this difficulty?
§ Sir J. SimonThe fixing by the Stock Exchange of minimum prices for Government securities was done with the knowledge and approval of the Government as a temporary measure to prevent undue depreciation owing to the disorganisation of markets caused by the outbreak of war. The position is under constant consideration with a view to the restoration as soon as possible of normal facilities for the purchase and sale of Government securities.