45. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been balled to the recent increase in thrift, as shown in the returns of savings banks and similar institutions; and, if so, whether he proposes during the coming financial year to abolish the expenditure of £81,579 incurred by the National Savings Committee, whose sole purpose is to inculcate the habit of saving, the value of which is now adequately realised?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Ronald McNeill)While I am aware that there is some increase in savings of the type to which my hon. Friend refers, I think it is generally admitted that there is great need for a further increase in national savings, which are considerably below the pre-War figure, if allowance be made for changed values. I cannot, therefore, agree with the suggestion in the latter part of the question. I am satisfied that the work of the National Savings Committee greatly contributes to the encouragement of thrift in all directions and that it should be continued.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider setting up a Committee to increase the wages out of which the savings are made?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is another issue?