HC Deb 23 November 1948 vol 458 cc1072-3
42. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many National Savings Officers are employed; what are the numbers of their staffs; and what is the annual cost.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Stafford Cripps)

The hon. Member will find the information in Class I, 15 of the Civil Estimates.

Mr. Shepherd

While I thank the Chancellor for the lack of information, may I ask him if he agrees that this work could now be undertaken by voluntary efforts and thus save a good deal of the country's money and also utilise labour more advantageously?

Sir S. Cripps

As the hon. Member knows, of course, a very great part is done by voluntary effort. This is merely a small staff to keep together the voluntary effort.