asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury, through the Advisory Committee on Bank Amalgamations, is considering any further proposals for amalgamations with the large banks in this country; and whether they are prepared to approve of such proposals?

While I cannot forecast the recommendation of the Committee in cases not before them, I share the view expressed by my predecessor the late Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 26th February, 1924, that further amalgamations with the larger banks would not, in principle, be regarded with favour by His Majesty's Government.