MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General, can he state the total amounts respectively of Post Office Savings Bank deposits and withdrawals in the year ending 31st December, 1903, and the six months, ending 30th June, 1904, the total balance due to depositors (including interest) on 31st December, 1903, and 30th June, 1904, respectively; can he explain how it occurred that, on the 31st of December, 1903, the assets, valued at the market price of the day, held by the Government on behalf of the Post Office Savings Banks were insufficient to meet the total amount of deposits by the sum of £11,033,060 12s. 1d.; and can he explain why his Report for the year ending 31st March, 1904, is not yet issued.
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonPerhaps, as the Answer is a long one, my hon. friend will allow me to circulate it with the Votes.