§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can inform the House what becomes of the unclaimed deposits in the several Savings Banks recently closed; whether the money is paid over to the National Debt Commissioners in case any future claimants should arise claiming such money; whether any portion of those unclaimed deposits and funds are appropriated to make up deficiencies in the accounts, or in compensating the actuaries and other officers, or otherwise; and whether he will consent to lay upon the Table of this House a Return of all such un- 473 claimed moneys from and since the passing of "The Savings Bank Act, 1863"?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir W. HARCOURT, Derby)The money is transferred to the Post Office Savings Bank, with a list of the depositors, and interest is allowed as usual till claimed. The answer to the third question is, No. There is no such unclaimed money as that referred to in the third paragraph.
§ MR. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)Do I understand that the unclaimed amounts stand in perpetuity in the name of the original depositors waiting for them to claim it?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI understand that the Trustees make a list of the depositors, and the money is transferred to the Post Office Savings Bank. It stands there bearing interest.
§ MR. HOWELLWill the right hon. Gentleman consent to lay on the Table a Return?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTI have already answered the hon. Member's question on that point.
§ MR. HOWELLCannot the right hon. Gentleman give a general Return?
§ SIR W. HARCOURTIf my hon. Friend will send me the form of the Return he wishes, I will consider it.