§ MR. T. LOUGHI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, (1) whether a new table at reduced rates for life insurance has recently been issued by the Post Office authorities; and (2) whether, if so, any special steps are being taken by the Department to advertise these new rates, so that they may be brought widely to the attention of the working classes; and whether, with a view to accomplishing this purpose, the Post Office would be willing to furnish forms to be distributed throughout the Metropolis in connection with the Census of London which is to be taken in April this year?
§ MR. HANBURYYes, Sir. New tables have been issued and special steps have been taken by this Department to advertise the new rates. 916 14,000 large posters have been exhibited at the Post Office Savings Banks throughout the country since the 1st February, when the new tables came into operation. In addition, about 100,000 handbills have also been distributed for the information of the public at every Post Office Savings Bank. A copy of a leaflet has, moreover, been placed within every depositor's book returned from this Department since the 1st February. It is proposed, almost immediately, to furnish the principal manufacturing firms throughout the country with copies of the posters and handbills. As London is so well supplied with the posters and handbills referred to, a further distribution on the lines indicated in the second paragraph of the hon. Member's question would scarcely seem necessary, and it is very doubtful whether the officers concerned in the Census of London would undertake such a distribution as that suggested. If, however, they were willing, there is no objection to supply the necessary forms.