§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if, before introducing any Bill relating to Savings Banks, he will lay upon the Table of the House a detailed Return of the securities standing, on the 31st of December, 1902, in the names of the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt on account of the Post Office Savings Bank Fund, and the Trustees Savings Bank Fund, such Return to show the nominal amount, and the value on the date aforesaid, of such securities, and the dividend or interest payable thereon.
§ The following Question also appeared on the Paper:—
§ MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will, before the introduction of the Savings Banks Bill, 1109 grant the Return relative to Post Office and Trustee Savings Banks Funds standing on to-day's Notice Paper.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonThe information asked for by the hon. Members as regards the assets of the Trustee Savings Banks Fund and their value at the 20th November, 11) 02, was presented to the House on the 20th instant, and has been ordered to be printed. If either of the hon. Members will move for a similar Return of the assets of the Post Office Savings Bank Fund and their value at the 31st December last there is no objection to its being given in anticipation of the information annexed to the Annual Report of the Postmaster General.
§ MR. LOUGHWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake not to proceed with his Bill until this information has been provided?
§ MR. RITCHIEI do not know whether it is possible to do that, but if the hon. Member will put down the Motion for the Return the information will be given as soon as possible.
§ MR. CHANNINGI will put it down.