21. Mr. Slaterasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the latest available figure of the National Debt and the difference of interest payable for 1957 against 1951.
Mr. AmoryThe National Debt outstanding at 31st March, 1958, was £27,232 million. The cost to the Budget Revenue in 1957–58 was £149 million higher than in 1951–52.
Mr. SlaterIs the Chancellor aware that these figures will be of great interest to the general public? Moreover, is he aware that it is about time his Department or the Government sought to introduce forms of policy to give the benefit to the general public instead of to the bankers and moneylenders?
Mr. AmoryNo, I do not think I am aware of the points that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. I am aware that the current higher interest rates have been one of the contributory causes of the very favourable personal savings figures.