§ 79. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied with the recent trend of bank loans as disclosed by published figures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe analysis of bank advances for November which was published on 13th December shows the progress made with credit restriction through the whole of the banking system of Great290W Britain. In the three months to November this year, advances to customers other than public utilities fell by £108 million, compared with a rise of £61 million in the same three months of 1954. This is good progress; but my request for the reduction of bank advances stands, and I must ask the bankers and their customers to carry on till we see results from these and other measures in terms of a slowing down of investment and reduced consumer demand.