HC Deb 23 February 1966 vol 725 cc402-3
19. Mr. Younger

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will amend the Post Office Register Regulations, 1925, to provide that Post Office warrants can be paid into a person's bank account without the necessity of a personal signature.

Mr. Benn

I am at present considering the need for receipts on all types of Savings Department warrants and hope to reach a decision shortly.

Mr. Younger

Is the Postmaster-General aware that his Department is very much out of date in this matter? Is he aware that these securities have a great disadvantage compared with other similar securities, which can be paid into a bank account without a signature? Will he examine this matter most urgently?

Mr. Benn

Yes, but there is a legal difficulty here in that certain warrants are not cheques or bankers' drafts within the meaning of the Cheques Act. What we are able to do is to arrange for a standing order without signature for paying straight in. The point the hon. Gentleman has in mind is a little more complicated than might appear on the surface.

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