§ 95. Mr. ARNOLDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to issue any Report of the work of the National War Savings Committee; and, if so, when?
§ Mr. CECIL BECK (Vice-Chamberlain Of the Household)The National War Savings Committee propose to make a 1834 first Report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the progress of their work as soon as statistics based on the result of the first audit of Associations as at 30th September, 1916, are available. The Report will, it is hoped, be completed by Christmas at latest. I will consult my right hon. Friend on the question of making the Report public, and hope that this will be arranged.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEMay we know how much the Government have wasted in printing this Report?
§ 96. Mr. ARNOLDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any facilities are being given to soldiers and sailors, including officers, to invest their savings in War Stock or War Savings Certificates?
§ Mr. BECKYes, Sir. The main appeal of the National War Savings Committee is to the civilian population of all classes. But, with the assistance of the authorities of the Navy and Army, facilities are provided for investment in Exchequer Bonds and War Savings Certificates by both officers and men of both Services. A poster, entitled "Make an Allotment," and special leaflets have been issued to the Fleet, and facilities are given for allotments from pay for investment purposes. As regards the Army, an Order was issued in April, 1916, explaining the facilities offered to both officers and men in this matter, including soldiers abroad. Investments can be made through the regimental paymasters. A further Army Order, offering improved facilities, is about to be issued, and there have been placed at the disposal of the National War Savings Committee the services of an officer who is personally making arrangements—with very encouraging success—for forming War Savings Associations among the units at home.