54. Mr. Norman Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the approximate cost to the Treasury in the first year and in subsequent years, respectively, if post-war credits were made repayable to women, irrespective of age, on becoming widows.
§ Mr. GaitskellI regret this information is not available.
Mr. SmithCould not my right hon. Friend get this information by giving his people the job of digging it out?
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, Sir.
§ 63. Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaiteasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum has been, put aside for the repayment of post-war credits.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe law provides for the repayments of post-war credits now being made to be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. The total amount to be repaid in the current year was estimated at £17 million.
§ Lieut.-Commander BraithwaiteIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in its six o'clock news bulletin on 5th January, the B.B.C. reviewed the Annual Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue and stated that £17 million had been paid out during the past year from the sums set aside for that purpose? Was that done with his or the Treasury's authority?
§ Mr. GaitskellPresumably it was set aside out of the Consolidated Fund.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesDo the post-war credits refer to the last war or the next one?