asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the net total of new savings collected through the savings banks and national savings certificates in the latest period for which figures are available.

Figures for 1981–82 are available up to the end of February. Over this period the net total balances held in the National Savings Bank ordinary and investment accounts increased by £613 million. The increase in holdings of savings certificates in the same period was £3,182 million. Both totals include provision for interest and index-linking.