§ 37. Mr. FLAVINasked the Postmaster-General whether he will inquire into the case of John King, deceased, who had money in the Post Office Savings Bank, 2150 who was employed on the Great Southern and Western Railway between Cork and Limerick, and who died in the Cork Infirmary in September, 1911; and whether, in view of the fact that the deposit book is lost and also that the deceased's mother is in poor circumstances, he will immediately inquire what amount of money is still on deposit in the name of John King?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEIt is practically impossible to trace a Savings Bank account unless it can be stated at what Post Office it was opened. In Ireland alone there are more than 100,000 accounts and more than 1,360 offices. When application was first made in 1911 in the case of John King, the most likely ledgers were searched in vain, and further search has been made from time to time in response to fresh suggestions as to the office at which an account might have been opened. I regret that it is not now possible to do anything more unless some definite particulars of the supposed account can be furnished.
§ Mr. FLAVINIf this man is dead, and his Post Office book is lost, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see if any amount is payable to a John King which has been deposited in Ireland and transferred to London?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI cannot say that, because we do not know at what office the account was opened. If the hon. Gentleman can communicate the name of the office I shall be glad to have inquiry made.
§ Mr. FLAVINThis man told his mother there was money to his credit in the Post Office Savings Bank. The deposit book is lost. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiry and find out if any money is credited to a John King?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEWe cannot trace it unless the office of deposit is known.