asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the recent Report by Sir William Plender on the liquidation of the German banks may be taken as the expression of the present policy of the Government or if any further instructions have been issued; and, if so, will he state them?

The recent Report of Sir William Plender may be taken to be in accordance with the present policy of the Government, the continuance of which policy was recommended by Mr. Walter Leaf and Sir R. V. Vassar Smith in their Report to the Treasury dated the 12th January, 1917. No further instructions have been issued in variance with this policy, and Sir William Plender is in. constant communication with the Treasury as to the course of events.

Does the Treasury consider that if the present dilatory method of winding up enemy banks continues, they will have finished the work by the end of the War?

Would it not be possible to shut up these enemy businesses at once, and leave the outstanding questions until after the War?

I think my hon. and learned Friend might read the Paper I have referred to in my answer.