HC Deb 08 April 1943 vol 388 c807
55. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in the Manchester "Wings for Victory" week a separate record has been kept of subscriptions by stamps, certificates, deposits in the banks and Defence Bonds; whether he will have the final Manchester results published and cause all other organisers of "Wings for Victory" weeks to do likewise?

Sir K. Wood

In reply to the first part of the Question, I am aware that the Manchester Committee, in common with other local savings committees, keeps a record of these particulars. In reply to the second part, it is open to any local committee to publish these particulars and many do so; I do not consider that it is necessary to issue any further instructions.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend really interested in getting at what are the genuine savings of the people, and does he not agree that all these "Wings for Victory" weeks are inflated by the banks holding off investments for two or three weeks beforehand and then piling them all in?

Sir K. Wood

I know that the hon. Gentleman has some particular views on this matter, and I shall be publishing shortly a White Paper in which many of the facts which he desires will appear.

Sir Adam Maitland

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Questions like this asked by the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) are likely to discourage savings?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir, I do not think people will take any notice of them.