§ 71. Mr. Craven-Ellisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the number of savings groups upon the latest date recorded and the number on the corresponding date of 1941 for the United Kingdom; what was the cost of the advertising undertaken by the National 36 Savings Committee for the year ended 31st June, 1942, and the comparative figure for 31st June, 1941; and what were the management, executive and clerical expenses for the year ended June, 1942, and the comparative figure for June, 1941?
§ Sir K. WoodWith my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs the Chancellor satisfied with the organisation of the National Savings Committee, and has the time not arrived when it should be completely reorganised?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, I do not accept that suggestion at all. Like all other organisations, it is no doubt capable of improvement, but it has met with great success.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsIs it not a fact that thousands of people are completely wasting their time in these efforts?
§ Following is the statement:
§ (a) National Savings Groups
| 1941. | 1942 | |
| Number of Groups in existence at 31st August | 227,500 | 291,620 |
| Estimated total membership of groups | 13,282,000 | 16,664,000 |
(b) Cost of War Savings Campaign.The following figures relate to the cost of the Campaign conducted by the three National Savings Committees and the Post Office, and do not include the cost of issuing or managing Government Securities:—
| Year ended 30th June | ||
| 1941 | 1942 | |
| £000 | ||
| (1) Advertising and Publicity | 704 | 687 |
| (2) Administration | 353 | 501 |
| (3) Accommodation and Stationery | 109 | 131 |
| Total | 1,166 | 1,319 |
| Cost of Campaign per £100 subscribed during the period | 1s. 6d. | 1s. 6d. |