§ 4. Mr. Michael Spicerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will reimburse individuals for interest charges incurred as a result of their having to take out loans whilst unable to cash national savings certificates because of industrial action.
§ Mr. LawsonI have already made clear that we will honour the commitment of the previous Government to recompense those affected by the industrial action by computer staff at the Department for National Savings. This, of course, includes holders of national savings certificates who may have had to borrow because they were unable to encash the certificates during the strike. The precise terms on which the recompense is to be offered and the necessary administrative arrangements are still under consideration, but I hope to be able to make an announcement soon.
§ Mr. SpicerI welcome that reply so far as it goes, but will the Financial Secretary give an assurance that this matter will be treated with the utmost urgency? A lot of people are affected.
§ Mr. LawsonI agree entirely with my hon. Friend: I treat this as a serious matter. It is being dealt with with the utmost urgency. The question is extremely complicated, and I hope very much that I shall be able to make an announcement soon. It is important to get it right and to see that justice is done.