§ 38. Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that by the stamp advertising War Bonds now stamped on postal packets the address is often wholly or partially obliterated and the writing on postcards rendered illegible, and that mistakes in the delivery of letters and postcards are thereby made more frequent; and whether he will give instructions that this stamp shall be placed only in such a manner as not to cover any part of the address or other writing on postal packets?
§ Mr. PEASEImpressions of the stamp in question take up no more space than impressions of the stamps ordinarily used, and only those addresses which are written without attention to the Post Office injunction to leave a clear space above the address can be hidden as suggested-I am informed that very few cases come under notice.
§ Mr. McNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I could show to him a number of letters where the address has been absolutely obliterated by the stamp, and letters have been delivered in the wrong places in consequence?
§ Mr. PEASEVery plain directions are given on page 50 of the Post Office Guide, and I am sorry that, the hon. Member has been caused inconvenience.
§ Mr. McNEILLWill the right hon. Gentleman see that that direction is carried out?
§ 53. Mr. A. K. LOYDasked whether, in order to estimate correctly the amount by which the money available to the Government for the conduct of the War has been increased by the purchase of National War Bonds during business men's week, allowance should be made for the subsequent application of such bonds in discharge of Excess Profits Duty; and, if so, whether he can say the probable extent of such allowance?
§ The CHANCELLOR Of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)There are no adequate data for estimating what proportion of the National War Bonds sold last week will ultimately be tendered in payment of Excess Profits Duty; but, as I stated yesterday, we have done everything that we could to discourage investment in War Bonds of money which would immediately come into the Exchequer in the form of taxation.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say what last week's exhibition cost the country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir; I cannot give the amount, but I can assure the House that it has been done very economically.
§ Mr. BILLINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that a system of Premium Bonds would be more economical still, if it is money you want?