§ SIR JOHN SIMON (Dewsbury)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether, notwithstanding complaints made by the public, the practice is still continued by the Paymaster of the Court of Chancery of paying by cheques crossed without the knowledge or consent of the payee; and, whether he will give directions that applications to be paid in cash shall be complied with?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)The use of crossed cheques in the Pay Office of the Supreme Court appears to me to be not only convenient as a general rule, but necessary for safety. A discretion is left to the Assistant Paymaster General to comply with applications for open cheques. Every consideration is given to such applications; and I may say that since January 1, 1888, 555 cheques have been issued uncrossed for amounts between £20 and £50, and 62 for amounts over £50.