§ Mr. WarrenTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the implications for investor protection of the standards of accessibility by investors to brokers, particularly during the recent pattern of dealings of price movements on the London stock exchange; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeThe volume of trading on the international stock exchange in recent weeks has been at exceptionally high levels, which suggests that the market remained accessible to investors. Stock exchange statistics indicate that private investors were active participants. I am pleased to note how well the exchange's dealing, settlement and surveillance systems have coped. Allegations of difficulties in effecting deals are being investigated by the stock exchange who so far have found no evidence of abuse.