Mr. E. P. Smith:

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the fall in the value of Government stocks is continuing upon a substantial scale; and what steps he proposes to take to reassure both existing holders and potential purchasers as to the stability of such securities.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 15th July.

Mr. Smith:

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether he considers that at present levels Government securities are a safe buy?

I might indicate a private opinion, but I think it would be a mistake to make it official.

Does my right non. Friend not agree that this recession followed immediately on rumours of a Coalition Government and that when Tory hopes are dispelled tomorrow, a recovery may be confidently anticipated?

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer state whether there is any alteration in his cheap money policy or whether, taking the long view, it remains unaltered?

We shall have a Debate which will no doubt cover a lot of matters and I had better not give snap answers to such questions as that of the hon. Gentleman.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are firms of stockbrokers who have been advising their clients to sell their, securities and put the money on deposit in the bank? Is that not a contributory cause to what is going on in the City?

I have no doubt that a lot of advice has been given by a lot of stockbrokers and other people to a lot of clients and others, and no doubt it has been discordant in some respects because some advise one thing and some another, but that is not my official affair.