HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc724-5W
Mr. Freud

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish in the Official Report the total number of prize winners of premium bonds in each of the last 12 months.

Mr. Lawson,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17 July 1979], gave the following answer:

The following table lists the number of premium savings bond prizes allotted for the most recent 12 months available. The number of prize winners could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

PREMIUM SAVINGS BONDS
Number of Prizes Allotted
1978
June 117,531
July 116,724
August 118,805
September 117,739
October 119,958
November 120,583
December 119,728
1979
January 122,101
February 123,740
March 122,260
April 125,755
May 127,283

Mr. Freud

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints have been received regarding the change in allocation of prizes in premium bonds occasioned by industrial action of computer staff; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lawson,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 17 July 1979], gave the following answer:

So far, 468 letters and telephone calls have been received objecting to the new temporary prize structure to apply to the September to December 1979 prize draws. There are 25.6 million premium savings bond holders. An announcement about the prize structure to apply from 1 January 1980 will be made in September.