§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to increase the number and value of premium bond prizes and to increase the maximum number of bonds which holders may purchase. [19466]
§ Mr. NelsonUnder the present prize structure, the number and value of prizes increase automatically in line with the number and value of bonds qualifying for the prize draws. For example, in April 1994 there were 222,380 prizes to a value of £14,454,700; in April 1995 there are 320,932 prizes to a value of £20,860,600. This reflects an increase in the value of eligible bonds over that period from £3,336 million to £4,814 million. I have no present plans to change the prize structure or to increase the £20,000 maximum holding limit.