MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state if the balance-sheet of the Post Office Savings Bank at 31st December, 1900, showed any increase or any decrease in the excess of liabilities over assets, which excess on 31st December, 1899, was £504,928 1s. 10d.; what were the total liabilities 1435 of the Post Office Savings Bank on 31st December, 1900, and do they show any increase or any decrease as compared with 31st December, 1899, when they were £130,138,344; what amount of 2¾ per cent. Consols was included among the assets of the Post Office Savings Bank on 31st December, 1900, and does that amount show an increase or a decrease as compared with the amount on 31st December, 1899, which was £67,330,884, and what amount of such Consols is now held by the Post Office Savings Bank.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir M. HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.The balance-sheet of the Post Office Savings Banks Fund at 31st December, 1900, is not yet completed, but I have no doubt that, taking the securities at the market value of the day, it will show a considerable increase in the excess of liabilities over assets as compared with 31st December, 1899, as will also the total liabilities of the fund. The balance of £2¾ per cent. Consols held on account of the Post Office Savings Banks Fund at 31st December, 1900, amounted to £64,737,170, being a decrease, as compared with the amount on 31st December, 1899, of £2,593,714. The amount of Consols held for the Post Office Savings Banks Fund at 31st March, 1901, was £63,934,205.