asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether pending the possibility of releasing general postwar credits, he is prepared to consider measures for releasing these credits in individual cases of special hardship.

No, Sir. I regret that further payments of postwar credits cannot yet be made beyond those already authorised.

Is not the Chancellor aware there are numerous cases of very great hardship which he ought to consider? Will he further realise that the local officers are giving a very widespread impression that no one in any circumstances can obtain their postwar credit until they or their successors reach 65 years of age?

The limitation by age applies to men over 65 and to women over 60. That class was selected because it was thought that holding up of the credits would be hardest on them.

I would like to press the point that the local officers are giving that false impression, and it should be cleared up quickly.

Would the Chancellor consider paying the credits to the next-of-kin in cases where the owner has passed away and where, in many cases, there is a tremendous hardship? That would not take much money from the Treasury. I have in mind a case of a woman, aged 40, who has written to me. She is the next-of-kin and cannot get the money.

In the future release of postwar credits, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that age is not the only criterion of poverty?

I certainly will bear that and other matters in mind.

I beg to give, notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.