§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)I beg to ask the Postmaster General if it is true that the Coalville and District Miners' Association have been refused permission to invest their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for such refusal; and, whether it is a fact that Trade Unions similar to the Association referred to have been in the habit of investing their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank for over a quarter of a century without question or limit?
§ * MR. RAIKESIn answer to the hon. Member I have to say that the facts are correctly stated by him. The Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt, to whom the case in question had to be referred, informed me that they were unable to give their approval to the proposed investment, as, in their opinion, the objects of the Society as defined by its rules do not come within the scope of the 32nd Section of the Act 26 and 27 Vic., c. 87. I have made a further representation to the Commissioners, and I understand 1820 the matter has been submitted for the consideration of the Treasury.
§ MR. HOWELLIs it the intention of the Government to deal with this matter in some form or other this Session?
§ * MR. RAIKESThe question is under the consideration of the Treasury. I cannot say more than that.