HC Deb 30 March 1920 vol 127 c1088
94. Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office authorities can undertake to give information when required to holders of war savings certificates as to the amounts of their holdings in cases of loss or misplacement by the holder of particulars of investment; and whether similar information can be afforded to executors in the case of deceased persons who have left no accurate record of transactions in this direction?

Mr. PEASE

Such information can be given if the holder or executor can furnish any reasonable particulars as to place and date of purchase, similar to the data required to identify a savings bank account. To give information, where no such particulars are forthcoming, would involve a large amount of clerical labour and the compilation of records which are not required for any other purpose. The number of separate certificates issued up to date is over 110,000,000, which are in the hands of several million different purchasers.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

If the executor in question possessed particulars as to place and date of purchase, why should any further information be required?

Mr. PEASE

Sometimes the information which the executor has is not very full information in regard to the particular office, though he knows the district from which the certificate came If the hon. Gentleman would like to give me details of a particular case I shall be only too glad to look into the matter.