§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether the accounts of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank are subject to inspection by the public; and, further, if the depositor is liable to be called upon by the secretary of friendly societies to account for how he came by money lodged to credit.
§ THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Lord STANLEY, Lancashire, Westhoughton)The accounts of depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank are not subject to inspection by the public, and the strictest secrecy is observed in regard to them. The Registrar of Friendly Societies (to whom I assume the hon. Member to refer) is the authority constituted by Parliament to settle all questions arising between the Postmaster-General and depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank; and in fulfilment of this duty it is open to him to make such inquiries as he thinks necessary.
§ LORD STANLEYYes, Sir, if he thinks it necessary. He is constituted by Act of Parliament to settle any question arising between the Postmaster-General and depositors.
§ LORD STANLEYI believe so.
§ LORD STANLEYYes, Sir.
§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDYIs it competent for the Registrar to call upon depositors to come before him and explain the origin of their deposits, and has he to pay their expenses if he finds they are legitimate and bonâ fide?
§ LORD STANLEYasked for notice of that Question.