HC Deb 09 December 1941 vol 376 cc1385-6
50. Mr. Hammersley

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements have now been made to secure the saving of paper by means of smaller cheques under an agreed limitation of size and the reduction of unnecessary labour by the prohibition of elaborately printed special cheques; and, if so, will he give details of these arrangements?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I understand that arrangements have now been made between the Paper Control, the banks and the printers, by which the size of standard cheques will be limited forthwith to stated maxima. Maximum sizes have also now been fixed for machine-accountancy cheques and other non-standard cheques printed from existing blocks, but in the case of new cheques or where the design or type of cheque is changed, these special cheques will have to conform to the maximum sizes for standard cheques. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the maximum sizes. Existing stocks of partly or wholly printed cheques in the hands of printers or of the banks may be used.

Mr. Hammersley

Will it be possible, when these arrangements are made, to prevent expensive printing at the same time?

Sir K. Wood

I will bear that in mind.

Following are the details:

  1. (1) The maximum sizes of standard cheques will be:
    1. (a) for single signatures, 6 inches by 3 inches;
    2. (b) for two signatures or more, 6 inches by 3½ inches;
      • plus a maximum of 2½ inches for counterfoils and binding.
  2. (2) The maximum sizes of special, etc., cheques will be:
    1. (a) cheques for use with machine accountancy, 9¼ inches by 4 inches overall;
    2. (b) specially printed cheques, 10¾ inches by 4½ inches overall.