HC Deb 29 May 1941 vol 371 cc1995-6
64. Mr. Tinker

asked the Postmaster General whether he is aware that £1 and 10s. Treasury notes have been refused acceptance as legal tender at post offices in the Leigh area; whether this is in accordance with instructions from his Department or the Treasury; and whether he will make a statement as to the right procedure?

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Allan Chapman)

Yes, Sir. The Treasury notes to which my hon. Friend refers are not legal tender and were refused accept- ance in accordance with directions issued by post office headquarters to all post offices. These directions have been in force for a number of years, and were issued on the instructions of the Treasury. Treasury notes, that is, notes bearing the facsimile signature of Sir John Bradbury or Sir N. F. Warren Fisher, ceased to be legal tender in 1933. The right procedure to be followed by a member of the public who wishes to obtain the value of such a note is to send it to the Bank of England, either through a bank, if possessing a banking account, or direct by registered post to the Chief Cashier, Bank of England, London, E.C.2. If, however, the note is mutilated or defaced, the fragments should be sent by registered post to the Accountant-General's Department, General Post Office, London, E.C.I.

Mr. Silverman

Why should these impositions be put on the holders of these notes when the Government are taking no trouble to collect the notes? Why should not the Post Office itself accept these notes and exchange them at the Bank of England, instead of people being asked to send the notes by registered post?

Mr. Chapman

These notes, according to the "London Gazette," ceased to be legal tender on 28th April, 1933. As to the other suggestions which my hon. Friend has been good enough to make, I will bring them to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Is it not possible to open branches of the Bank of England?

Sir Herbert Williams

If these notes are sent by registered post and are lost, will the Postmaster General return to the senders the value of the notes which have been lost in the post?

Mr. Chapman

Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to put that Question on the Paper?