§ MR. G. A. HAMILTONsaid, he would beg to inquire of the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his intention in the next Session of Parliament to re-introduce the Savings Banks Bill which he has recently withdrawn?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, he was induced mainly to 1974 withdraw the Savings Banks Bill on the ground that he did not see sufficient time for its consideration, and the manner in which their time had been occupied towards the close of the Session fully justified that course. He was also aware that considerable misunderstanding had been produced among the local administrators of Savings Banks, by the proposal which he made, and the arrangement he proposed did not receive the approbation which he conceived its merits justified. Under these circumstances, he did not feel at present justified in entering into any pledge as to whether the Government would reintroduce a similar measure, but he would be prepared next Session, in the event of the House requiring what had been asked for this Session, to agree to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the subject.