§ Mr. L. LYLEasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, although the various war savings associations throughout the country have been mostly wound up and their accounts audited and passed, the authorities are now asking for the dispatch of all books and records to the head Committee; and what justification there is for thus burdening transport and sustaining heavy expense in the transit of these documents?
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§ Mr. BALDWINThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The number of war savings associations now in existence is over 35,000 against 41,000 at the time of the Armistice, the associations closed being mainly connected with fighting units or war establishments now dissolved. As inquiries from members of closed associations are mainly addressed to headquarters, it is desirable in their interests that books and records should be forwarded to the Central Committee for safe custody. The expense involved is insignificant.