HC Deb 18 May 1943 vol 389 c934
48. Dr. Edith Stunmerskill

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to ensure that a husband shall not be able to claim his wife's war savings in stamps, certificates or bonds even when it can be proved that she used part of the housekeeping money for this purpose?

Sir K. Wood

In the case of Savings Certificates and bonds in respect of which re-payment can be required, application for payment must be made in writing by the registered holder. There is no register of holders of savings stamps, and a signature is not required when they are cashed. As regards the position if a husband disputed his wife's right to receive re-payment in these cases, I would refer to the reply which the hon. Member received from my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General on 12th May.

Dr. Summ,erskill

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider discussing the matter with the Attorney-General in order to remove this injustice?

Sir K. Wood

I shall be glad to discuss it at any time.

Mr. Beverley Baxter

Would not the suggestion in the Question be conducive to dishonesty among wives and perpetuate a standards of housekeeping and faked figures which would not be good for the husband?