Stock Exchange.

Oral Answers to Questions — Unemployment. – in the House of Commons at on 14 September 1931.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

34.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a Royal Commission appointed in 1877 recommended that the Stock Exchange should be brought under the control of a charter of incorporation; whether he has considered paragraph 386 of the Macmillan Report; and whether, in view of the statements therein and the need for protecting the commercial, industrial, and investing public from the evils detailed in that paragraph, he will take steps to have the Stock Exchange incorporated?

Photo of Mr Stanley Baldwin Mr Stanley Baldwin , Bewdley

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the remainder of the question the Macmillan Committee made no allusion to any question of incorporation and the matter does not appear to be one requiring any action by the Government.

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

May I ask whether the Macmillan Committee in the paragraph in question referred to the lack of discipline in these matters, whereby what they called "glittering and tawdry prospectuses" had deluded hundreds of thousands? Is it not necessary that the Stock Exchange should be given more disciplinary powers to deal with these matters?

Photo of Mr Stanley Baldwin Mr Stanley Baldwin , Bewdley

I am afraid that there is no charter that can be devised by the wit of man that will prevent the fool and his money from being soon parted.

Photo of Mr Albert Alexander Mr Albert Alexander , Sheffield, Hillsborough

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how the fool gets his money?

Photo of Mr Stanley Baldwin Mr Stanley Baldwin , Bewdley

I am the wrong person to whom that question should be asked.

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

Is that not a reflection on Lord Kylsant?