§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current amount of premium bond unclaimed prize money; how long it is before a claimant loses his right to collect; and what happens to the balance.
§ Mr. Denzil Davies:At 6th November 1978 the amount of unclaimed premium savings bond prize money was £637,625, representing 18,916 prizes unclaimed from April 1977 and earlier prize draws. Prizes are not regarded as unclaimed until 18 632W months after the draw concerned, during which time efforts are made to trace the winners. There is no limit to the time during which a prize winner may claim a prize. Prize money which remains unclaimed after two years is transferred to the National Debt Commissioners but this in no way affects a bondholder's right to payment of a prize.