§ Sir John Langford-Holtasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) in the light of the fact that lenders of money to the Exchequer in the form of Premium Bonds are unable to obtain repayments on demand due to strikes at the National Savings Bonds and stock office, whether he will so inform prospective buyers of Premium Bonds;
(2) what action he proposes to take to limit the hardship of people who, in cases of personal emergency, are unable now to obtain repayment of money lent to the Exchequer in the form of Premium Bonds as a result of strike action at the National Savings Bonds and stock office.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesI very much regret the inconvenience, anxiety or hardship caused to investors in Premium Savings Bonds who wish to withdraw their savings656W but are unable to do so because of industrial action being taken at the bonds and stock office computer centre by members of the Society of Civil and Public Servants and the Civil and Public Services Association.
All repayments for holders whose surnames commence with the letters A-G as far as surname GENT and all repayments where the holder requires payment in cash at a post office are normally dealt with by the computer centre and have been halted. Repayments for other holders who have asked for repayment by crossed warrant are being made. There are extremely limited facilities for dealing with repayments in cases of special hardship where otherwise repayment is held up.
Action has been taken to inform the public of the effects of the industrial action. Posters have been circulated to all post offices, notices have been printed in the press and the joint stock banks have been informed.
The delayed applications for repayment will be processed as quickly as possible once normal working has been resumed.