HC Deb 30 June 1942 vol 381 cc29-30
50. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to encourage the public to lend their savings free of interest to the Government; and what amount he proposes to allocate for expenditure in advertising for this purpose?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to him on 24th February last.

Mr. Stokes

But that reply was entirely unsatisfactory. Would not the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that £45,000,000 has been subscribed interest-free and which would cost the Government £1,000,000 at 2½ per cent., spend half that sum to encourage people to lend money free of interest? If so, it would still be a great deal less than he spends now.

Sir K. Wood

I have already given the hon. Gentleman a full explanation.

Mr. Thorne

Will my hon. Friend the member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) set a good example?

Mr. Stokes

Certainly.

Mr. De la Bère

Is he properly qualified?