HC Deb 10 April 1893 vol 10 cc1814-5
MR. ROSS (Londonderry)

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General what was the amount deposited in Irish Post Office Savings Ranks from the 1st, of February to the 1st of April, 1893; and what was the amount withdrawn during the same period; and what were the respective amounts of sums deposited and withdrawn during the corresponding period in 1892?

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, I will ask him whether his attention has been directed to the fact that articles have appeared in Irish Unionist newspapers advising the depositors to withdraw their deposits.

THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. A. MORLEY,) Nottingham, E.

With reference to the last question, I may say I have seen in two newspapers recommendations to that effect.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

What papers?

MR. A. MORLEY

I believe The Dublin Express was one. About the other I am not sure, but I think it was a Belfast paper. In answer to the hon. Member for Londonderry, I have to say that in the period mentioned in 1892 the deposits amounted to £190,947, and the withdrawals to £184,405. In the corresponding period in 1893 the deposits were, £183,905; and withdrawals, £278,130. The difference between the withdrawals and the deposits in 1893—namely, £94,225 is at the rate of 2 per cent. on the total amount due to depositors.

SIR T. LEA (Londonderry, S.)

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he has absolutely seen articles "In newspapers recommending depositors to withdraw their deposits?

MR. A. MORLEY

Certainly I have; in The Dublin Express, I think of the 4th of March, but I am not quite sure of the date that such advice was tendered.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

That was in a letter from a correspondent. It was not written by the editor of the paper.

MR. A. MORLEY

I believe it was in a letter from a correspondent.

MR. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not know that since the introduction of the Home Rule Bill a practice has grown up among officials of the Post Office, when persons come to make deposits, of asking them whether they are not afraid to do so in consequence of the Home Rule Bill?

MR. A. MORLEY

I have heard of no such practice; if it came to my knowledge I should at once take steps to stop it.