§ Mr. Mathersasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the delay in the issue of Defence Bond books to original subscribers and the obstacle this causes to the savings effort in view of the fact that subsequent subscriptions for Defence Bonds are intended to be acknowledged by entries in the bond books, and whether he will expedite the issue of these books?
§ Mr. GrimstonDuring the whole of February the average number of days after the purchase date on which the books were despatched to the purchasers was under 17 and the longest time was 19 days; on two occasions only during the month was it as long as 19 days. In present conditions this period of delay does not seem unreasonably long, and in view of the general man-power position my right hon. Friend would not feel justified in employing additional staff in order to expedite the issue of the books.