HC Deb 21 January 1969 vol 776 cc236-7
26. Mr. Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will appoint a new Chairman of the National Savings Committee.

Mr. Harold Lever

No, Sir.

Mr. Barnett

Bearing in mind that the present Chairman has made damaging and inaccurate comments, and since, presumably, that is not his task, would not my hon. Friend reconsider his reply?

Mr. Lever

No, Sir. Chairmen of savings committees are chosen for their general ability to further the interests of the National Savings Movement and not for their ability to make what would be to my hon. Friend satisfactory extemporaneous answers on television.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is it not the case that the present Chairman has rendered great service to the Government and the nation? Is he not of much more use in obtaining increases in savings than the sort of dumb stooge hon. Members opposite apparently want?

Mr. Lever

I will content myself by saying that the Chairman has given the Government excellent service as Chairman of the National Savings Movement.