asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the new issue of National Savings Certificates have been sold.

During the period 1st to 6th February inclusive sales of the new issue of National Savings Certificates amounted to just under £8 million. This is the latest figure available.

Will my right hon. Friend say how that compares with the sales during a comparable period of the previous type of certificate?

The total savings for the corresponding six days of 1950 were £1,712,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is any evidence that the old issue is being sold to purchase the new issue?

I have no definite evidence on that at present.