HC Deb 22 November 1960 vol 630 cc965-6
30. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total of nominal holdings in 3½ per cent. War Loan.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

About £1,909 million.

Mr. Spriggs

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider the reply he gave me in correspondence with reference to the case of Mrs. Heys, who has applied to him, through me, for the redemption of 3½ per cent. War Loan? I wrote to the right hon. and learned Gentleman about this matter in view of the real domestic hardship, which has occurred in the case of a widowed mother with three children who has great difficulty in existing on the miserable sum of just over £5 to supply the needs of four people? Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman reconsider his reply and see whether he can get his colleague to agree with him to redeem all these loans?

Mr. Lloyd

I am aware that there may be hardship for particular people, but it is difficult for me to make an exception to the general rule. The position regarding the general rule was put carefully by hon. Friend the Economic Secretary when he answered my hon. Friend the Member for Torrington (Mr. P. Browne) on 10th November.