§ Sir S. Reedasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amounts borrowed during the current financial year by means of National War Bonds and Savings Bonds?
§ Sir K. WoodThe amounts raised from 1st April, 1941, to 24th January, 1942, were as follows: by National War Bonds, £547,809,000 (of which £202,635,000 was by 2½ per cent. National War Bonds, 1949–51); and by 3 per cent. Savings Bonds, 1955–65, £384,108,000. I may remind the House that first interest payments will fall due on 1st February for the 2½ per cent. National War Bonds, 583W 1949–51, and on 15th February for Series "A" of the 3 per cent. Savings Bonds, 1955–65, and for technical reasons it is necessary to decide whether, and if so how, those issues shall continue to be available. In view of the success of both issues, I have decided that, for the present, they should continue on offer on the same terms as now. For that purpose, National War Bonds issued after 31st January will be designated "A" Series with a first interest payment due on 1st August, 1942, on which date they will be amalgamated with the original issue. In the case of Savings Bonds, the "A" Series now on offer will be amalgamated with the original issue on 15th February, and Bonds issued after 14th February will be designated "B" Series. The first interest payment on the "B" Series will be due on 15th August, 1942, on which date the series will be amalgamated with the earlier issues.