§ 54. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of asking organisers of War Weapons Weeks not to accept loans from banks, or from individuals who have had the amount they invest advanced by their bank, unless such loans are made free of interest?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. Borrowing from the banks by their customers for the purpose of subscribing to War Loans would be contrary to the Government's policy, and I do not think that any appreciable amount for subscriptions is so financed.
§ Mr. HallSurely the Chancellor realises that these War Weapons Weeks were instituted in order to help ordinary people to save, and not to enable the banks to get a higher rate of interest, and to get the credit of making contributions towards these weeks or inducing their customers to do so? Does the Chancellor approve of this procedure?
§ Sir K. WoodThis matter was discussed at considerable length on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill the other day, and a considered statement was made, and I should like to say how grateful I am for all those who have organised these War Weapons Weeks.
§ 55. Mr. G. Straussasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that during the London War Weapons Week a police loud-speaker van, driven by a uniformed policeman, stopped outside several well-known popular stores, when the speaker in the van asked shoppers not to buy in these stores, which he mentioned by name, and made personal remarks which offended many people; and will he arrange that this type of propaganda is not used by the Government again?
§ Sir K. WoodI regret that in this instance a voluntary helper departed widely from the guidance given to him. Propaganda of this type is, of course, not approved by the Government or the National Savings Movement, and the necessary steps were taken to avoid a repetition of the incident.