§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Select Committee on Savings Banks Funds, as appointed, consists preponderantly of representatives of the Treasury and of banking and capitalist interests; and whether, having regard to the fact that the inquiry will affect the rate of interest, security of deposits, and freedom of opportunity of investment of thrifty working people, he will add one or two representatives of labour to the Committee.
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHNo, Sir, I do not consider that there is any such preponderance on the Committee as the Question suggests. I am the only representative of the Treasury, past or present, from either side—and there are at least five gentlemen on the Committee with practical experience in connection with Savings Banks, which gives them a special knowledge of the habits and desires of thrifty working people, and who are as much entitled as any one else to be described as representatives of labour.
§ MR. CHANNINGDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think this is a question on which the advice of labour representatives is specially required?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHI have said that I think representatives of labour are already on the Committee.