§ 20. Mr. Duffyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in devising a form of contractual savings scheme in consultation with the leaders of the National Savings Movement; and when he expects to announce the initiation of a practical scheme.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanA detailed study is in hand. Progress is being made and my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement in due course.
§ Mr. DuffyWill the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend the need to make a statement as early as possible? As personal savings appear to have reached a plateau, would not the hon. Gentleman agree that there is a need to expedite such a scheme? Secondly, will he say what he has in mind when he refers to a contractual savings scheme?
§ Mr. MacmillanWith regard to the second part of that question, I do not think that I can go any further at this moment. It is necessary to wait until we have some knowledge of the scheme. My right hon. Friend intends to make an announcement as soon as practicable, and I think that the hon. Gentleman realises that he need not ask me to persuade my right hon. Friend to take savings seriously.