HC Deb 17 December 1958 vol 597 cc1103-4
15. Mr. Cronin

asked the Postmaster-General by what means numbers selected by Electronic Random Number Indicating Equipment and found to be ineligible for the Premium Bond draws concerned are rejected.

Mr. Marples

"Ernie" generates bond numbers completely at random. Some of them may be within large blocks of bonds not yet offered for sale to the public. In this case a device built into the machine suppresses the number. The remaining numbers are individually checked and counter-checked by clerical staff against the registers. This eliminates those unsold, repaid, or held for under six clear months.

Mr. Cronin

Does not the Answer suggest that the public have been so far misled as to the infallibility of the means of selection? Is it not the case that "Ernie" does not select alone but in co-operation with several Post Office clerks, who may be very conscientious, but are capable of making errors?

Mr. Marples

I think "Ernie" is quite dispassionate. Any hon. Member who wishes to go to Lytham St. Annes to look at the machine and have it explained is at liberty to do so. After 18 months experience we are preparing an appreciation of procedure for the Press and interested bond holders, which I hope will be available in a few days' time.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not suspicion naturally created when one's number does not turn up?

Mr. Cronin

I think the right lion. Gentleman has misunderstood my question. Surely the question is the co-operation of the Post Office clerks. Would it not be more satisfactory if a device were invented whereby the whole selection was completely automatic?

16. Mr. Cronin

asked the Postmaster-General if he will arrange for lists of the numbers eligible for selection by Electronic Random Number Indicating Equipment in the respective Premium Bond draws to be available for public inspection.

Mr. Marples

Over 150 million units were eligible for the December draw, and the total increases every month. It would be impracticable to make available lists of numbers on this scale. Apart from the labour of compilation, a book equivalent of 400,000 pages of HANSARD would be needed. This is equivalent to fifteen or sixteen years of Parliamentary reporting.