§ 39. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of savings certificates taken out since 31st March last up to the latest date available; and what is the total amount paid off and the aggregate interest attached to it during the same period?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTo the 30th September the receipts from certificates sold were £16,754,000, the encashments £18,363,000, and the accrued interest paid £6,335,000.
§ 40. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to facilitating the presentation of a correct picture of the capital liabilities of the country and an accurate 33 forecast of annual expenditure, he will consider a revision of the method of accounting in relation to savings certificates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards the first point a careful estimate of the amount of accumulated interest unpaid is made annually and published in the Finance Accounts. On the second point I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) on the 5th May last.