§ MR. R. DAVIESasked the Postmaster General, Whether he will inform the House what are the conditions on which a Post Office Savings Bank and Money Order Office are opened at any Post Office?
§ MR. FAWCETTI am glad to have an opportunity of giving the information which my hon. Friend asks for, as inquiries on the subject are being constantly addressed to the Post Office from different parts of the country. It is now the invariable rule to establish a savings bank at any post office at which money orders are issued. The Department is continually extending the number of money order and savings bank offices, as they are opened at every post office where the surveyors report that the business is likely to be remunerative. In addition to the increase of the number of money order and savings bank offices which is thus taking place through the voluntary action of the Department, applications are constantly received from various places for the opening of these offices. Inquiry is at once made as to whether it is likely that the savings 253 bank and money order business at these places will be remunerative; and if the surveyors report that it is, the application is granted. If the surveyors report that the business is not likely to prove remunerative, a savings bank and money order office will at once be established if the inhabitants will guarantee the estimated deficiency. The guarantee required is for a period of five years, and is paid in a lump sum in advance. The entire amount required cannot exceed £16, and may be as little as £2. If it is found, after the savings bank and money order office has been opened, that the business done is greater than was estimated, the whole or a portion of the guarantee will be returned.