§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that a cheap money policy causes hardship and injustice to persons with fixed incomes, he will state the policy of the Government with regard to this section of the public.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) At 31st March, Principal Outstanding. Interest paid in previous years. Population. Average per head Principal. Average per head Interest. £000 £000 £ £ 1900 … … 628,979 17,415 40,774,000 15 0.4 1913 … … 656,474 17,221 46,026,000 14 0.4 1939 … … 7,130,753 218,727 47,700,000 149 4.6 1946 … … 23,636,520 474,890 49,000,000 482 9.7