HC Deb 13 June 1950 vol 476 cc33-4
65. Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the totals of net personal savings for 1938 and 1949, respectively.

Sir S. Cripps

The White Paper on National Income and Expenditure—Command 7933—estimated these figures at £139 million and £174 million respectively, though stating that the estimates were most precarious.

Mr. Lloyd

In view of that statement by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, was it not a little misleading to say, on 16th May that personal savings in the years 1948 and 1949 were almost precisely the same percentage of disposable personal income as they had been in 1938–4.8 per cent. in each case"?—[OFFICIAL REPORT. 16th May, 1950; Vol. 475, c. 1155.]

Sir S. Cripps

I am afraid I have not worked out the percentage of the figures I have given.

66. Mr. Nigel Birch

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the total of gross personal savings, given in Table 12 of Command Paper 7933, included amounts raised in Death Duties.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Birch

Would it not have clarified his speech on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill if the right hon. and learned Gentleman had pointed out that he was including in gross personal savings amounts raised in Death Duties and Special Contribution? Will he tell the House in what way Death Duties constitute personal savings?

Sir S. Cripps

If the hon. Gentleman will look at the tables in the document with which we were dealing, he will see that the matter is made quite plain in table 33.

Mr. Churchill

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look into the matter about which he was not informed and perhaps, if he will let us know on this side, another question could be put down to elicit the facts?

Sir S. Cripps

I have not stated that there was any matter on which I was not informed.

Mr. Churchill

It is in the recollection of the House that the right hon. and learned Gentleman was unable to state the percentages and had not looked into their bearing. Will he do so and let us know?

Sir S. Cripps

That was the last Question, which we have passed.

Mr. Marlowe

Would it not be advisable, before the right hon. and learned Gentleman makes categorical statements of that kind, if he worked out the figures beforehand?

Sir S. Cripps

That does not arise out of this Question.