§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked whether an alphabetical list of Post Office Savings Bank depositors is kept, or whether any person inquiring as to the existence of a dormant balance in the name of a relative has to furnish particulars of the post office at which the account was originally opened and the date about which the first deposit was made, or the date and place of some recent transaction?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThere is no alphabetical list of depositors, and the compilation of such a list—since the number of accounts is nearly twelve millions—would involve great labour and expense which would not be justified by the result. If inquiry is made as to the existence of a supposed dormant balance, every effort is made to assist any bonâ fide inquirer, no matter how meagre the particulars available. The hon. Member correctly describes the particulars which it is desirable to furnish.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman tell me how there can be particulars of recent transactions with regard to a dormant account?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIt may not have been very long dormant.