§ 5. Mr. Barnettasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants are engaged full-time and part-time respectively, in assisting the chairman of the National Savings Committee; and what is the cost.
§ Mr. Diamond565 and 134 respectively, at 1st November, 1965. Their salaries will cost about £782,000 this year.
§ Mr. BarnettIs my tight hon. Friend aware that many of us accept the need for increased savings to avoid increased taxation? Would not he agree that, with the greatest respect to Sir Miles Thomas, what is needed is a full-time appointment, 1060 with a younger man engaged wholly on the task of increasing National Savings?
§ Mr. DiamondThe Government have every confidence in those who are acting, in an honorary and a paid capacity, in helping in this all-important task.
§ Mr. William ClarkWould not the Chief Secretary agree that one way of increasing National Savings would be to convince the small saver that he should have confidence in the Government?
§ Mr. DiamondThat consideration does not arise on this Question, but it is always present.