asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants are engaged full-time and part-time respectively, in assisting the chairman of the National Savings Committee; and what is the cost.

565 and 134 respectively, at 1st November, 1965. Their salaries will cost about £782,000 this year.

Is my tight hon. Friend aware that many of us accept the need for increased savings to avoid increased taxation? Would not he agree that, with the greatest respect to Sir Miles Thomas, what is needed is a full-time appointment, with a younger man engaged wholly on the task of increasing National Savings?

The Government have every confidence in those who are acting, in an honorary and a paid capacity, in helping in this all-important task.

Would not the Chief Secretary agree that one way of increasing National Savings would be to convince the small saver that he should have confidence in the Government?

That consideration does not arise on this Question, but it is always present.