§ 71. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the business community by the continuance of the war-time custom of closing banks at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, he will take steps to secure a return to the pre-War hours?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis matter has been carefully considered, but the banks tell me that in present conditions it is impossible for them to make a change in the hour of closing. The question will, however, probably come up again for consideration in the autumn, when the Daylight Saving provisions cease to have effect.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWas not the reason for closing the banks earlier the depletion of staffs owing to the War, and, if so, could not the staffs now be increased and so find employment for many ex-soldiers?