HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 c1253
14. Mr. Webster

asked the Postmaster-General what proposals he has to improve the transmission of money through post offices.

Mr. Mawby

We have no particular proposals in view at present.

Mr. Webster

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although the Dutch giro system has run at a loss for the first time this year, a system of transmitting money by having savings bank deposits increased would be both safer and cheaper than the existing method?

Mr. Mawby

I can only refer my hon. Friend to my reply to an Adjournment debate on 4th March in which all the points were put forward. I said at the time that the door was not closed but that there were certain things which had to happen and that we had to be certain that this was going to be a real proposition before we were prepared to bring the scheme into operation.

Mr. W. R. Williams

As I am very interested in the question of the giro system, may I ask the hon. Member how much wider the door is open now than when I raised the matter on the Adjournment?

Mr. Mawby

I think it is just about the same.