asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that, in many charges of failure to pay insurance contributions coming before petty sessions courts, it is necessary to bring officials from Newcastle to prove the allegation of non-payment; that when cases are adjourned this necessitates a second journey for the officials concerned; and if he will permit the issue of a certificate from the Newcastle office giving the required evidence and thus avoid a practice which must be of considerable expense in rail fares, maintenance and staff time, or consider introducing legislation empowering him to permit this.

There is at present no provision authorising proof of the necessary facts by means of a certificate in these cases. I have noted the point for consideration when opportunity for legislation offers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider setting up a scheme for the immediate repayment of Income Tax post-war credits in cases of hardship regardless of age.

This is one of the matters which I shall consider when framing my Budget proposals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give details of Government saving in expenditure for the year ended October, 1952, in comparison with the year ended October, 1951.

Figures of this kind for periods other than financial years are misleading owing to variations in the incidence of expenditure.