§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps he will take to encourage investors to subscribe long-term funds for British companies through the medium of investment instruments other than equities;
(2) if he will take steps to stimulate long-term investment in British companies;
(3) if he will take steps to encourage companies to issue stocks which constitute prior charges before calculation of net profit.
§ Mr. MacGregorIt is for companies to determine how they wish to raise finance, and for investors to decide on what terms they are prepared to subscribe it. I have, however, been encouraged to see the significant increase, this year, in issues of long-term fixed-interest stock by United Kingdom companies.