HC Deb 25 May 1973 vol 857 cc197-8W
Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average length of time between applications for repayment of national savings certificates and actual repayment.

Mr. Nott

Most repayment authorities are posted within six or seven working days—including Saturdays—of the receipt of the application.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the minimum length of time quoted for repayment of national savings certificates.

Mr. Nott

To allow time for the repayment processes all holders are advised to give at least eight clear working days' notice when they require repayment. In practice, repayments are dealt with as quickly as possible and, in normal circumstances, most of them well within this period. Irrespective of the length of notice given, every effort is made to meet the wishes of a holder who asks for repayment urgently.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average number of national savings certificates repaid daily; and to how many people.

Mr. Nott

Statistics of repayments are not kept in this form but during the month of April 1973 an average of 6,600 repayment authorities were issued daily in respect of some 52,000 national savings certificates.

Mr. Joel Barnett

asked the Chancellor cellor of the Exchequer how many staff are engaged on repayment of national savings certificates.

Mr. Nott

Some 850 staff are employed on repayments and other processes associated with the work, including correspondence and post payment accounting.