§ MR. BARNES (Glasgow, Blackfriars)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to inform the House whether trade unions are entitled to deposit their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank; and whether such funds are applicable for the purpose of provident benefits or for the other objects of a union.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONI am glad to inform the hon. Member that I am now advised that trade unions are entitled under the Savings Bank Acts to deposit their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank without reference to the specific purpose for which such funds are applied. The deposit will be made under the same regulations as to amount as in the case of other charitable and provident societies, that is to say, deposits can be made up to £100 in the year and £300 in the whole with the consent of the Postmaster-General; and to an unlimited amount with the consent of the National Debt Commissioners. On the latter point I am communicating with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.