Certain Liberal Democrats, headed by Stephen Williams MP for Bristol West, have called for the government's stake in nationalised banks Lloyds and RBS to be shared out between 46m adults on the electoral roll.

The idea was introduced by Mr Williams in a pamphlet for the think tank Centre Forum, based on a model created by the city firm Portman Capital.

The government spent £65.8bn purchasing shares in the banks - £45.5bn on RBS and £20.3 on Lloyds - and owns 83 per cent and 41 per cent of them, respectively.

The shares would not be eligable for sale until they had passed the price the government had paid, and individuals could only keep a profit above than that amount.

The idea is designed to help recoup the taxpayer's investment in the banks, and benefit from any increased value. It would also heighten accountability since shareholders are able to have a say in how the company is run.

At the moment, recipients would receive just under £1000 worth of shares.

Though it is not yet official Lib Dem policy, the idea is backed by Lord Dick Newby, the Liberal Democrats' Treasury spokesman in the House of Lords.