§ MR. T. HUGHESasked the Postmaster General, Whether he intends next Session to bring in a Bill with the object of placing Consols within reach of small investors through the agency of the Post Office?
§ MR. MONSELLsaid, he appreciated the importance of the matter to which the hon. and learned Gentleman had referred. There was no doubt that such a scheme as he suggested would confer a very great advantage on persons who had small savings, and that the political importance of increasing the number of investors in the funds would also be very great. He had considered the question a few months ago, and was satisfied there would not be the slightest difficulty in the Post Office carrying it out; but he must remind his hon. and learned Friend that an attempt in the same direction was made three years ago by his noble Friend the present Chief Secretary for Ireland. His proposal was to extend the limits of the amounts to be received by the Post Office Savings Banks; but he was compelled to abandon the measure in consequence of the opposition it met with at the banks. All he could say to the hon. and learned Member was, that he would consult with his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject, but at present he could not make any promise to bring in a Bill next Session.