asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy with regard to increasing the categories of persons to whom post-war credits will become payable.

I cannot anticipate my Budget Statement.

While realising that we are now in the close season for Chancellors of the Exchequer, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will endeavour to see that there are proper opportunities for debating this question of post-war credits during the debates on the Finance Bill, which has not been possible in the last few years?

As so many ageing and sick people are in urgent need now of post-war credits, will the right hon. Gentleman consider having them serially numbered according to the age of the owner and making them transferable so that they can be sold at a discount through the bank?

I will take note of the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he will repay to parents the post-war credits that belonged to their sons who fell on active service during the last war, in view of the fact that many parents are suffering hardships resulting from deferred payment.

If a parent is the person legally entitled to the post-war credits, he or she can obtain payment on reaching the qualifying age of 65 for a man or 60 for a woman. Earlier payment would require a change in the law, and I cannot anticipate my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that some of these people who have lost their sons in the war cannot understand the attitude of mind of the Ministry on this matter? Will not he have a further look at this matter to see whether he can recommend that legislation he passed so that these unfortunate people who have lost their sons can have the money paid to them?

I will certainly take note of the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

If the hon. Gentleman cannot anticipate the Budget Statement to make a very welcome concession here, how was it that his right hon. Friend could do so to refuse one in answer to Question No. 46?