§ 61. Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, at the latest available date, the amount raised in the financial year 1946–47 in National Savings; and what was the actual benefit to the Exchequer in the increase of real cash.
§ Mr. DaltonThis information is now published quarterly by the National Savings Committee. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of their statement issued on 18tn January, covering the nine months to 31st December last.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the fact that the Chancellor has persistently tried to evade the last part of the Question, can he not tell the House publicly what is the increase of real cash to the Exchequer?
§ Mr. DaltonI think that if the hon. Member will read what I am sending him he will get the answer to the question he desires and, if not, perhaps he will put a further Question down.
§ Mr. ButcherIn view of the widespread concern at the financial position of this country, will the right hon. Gentleman publish the reply in HANSARD?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir, because it has already been published in the Press, and I do not think it desirable to pad out HANSARD and make additional work for the printers by what has been published in the Press.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhy is the right hon. Gentleman so unwilling to come out into the open?