63. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the number of building societies in Great Britain; and the aggregate amount of their capital.
§ Mr. DaltonNine hundred and five in 1944 with a capital, in the form of funds invested or deposited, of£734 millions.
Mr. SmithCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much of that capital is available for current building operations, and will he take steps in conjunction with the Minister of Health to see that.that money is married to building operations?
§ Mr. DaltonThe hon. Gentleman has put exactly that question down to the Minister of Health for the day after tomorrow so we had better not cross the wires.