6 DECEMBER 1919, Page 2

In the House of Commons on Monday the motion in

favour of Premium Bonds was defeated by a decisive majority. 276 Members voted against the motion and only 84 for it. We need not summarize the debate, as we have frequently discussed the question. Enough to say that, although there was probably a potential majority for Premium Bonds a few weeks ago, there has been a great change of opinion. In this change we have shared. The Chancellor of the Exchequer himself con- fessed that he was at one time prepared to introduce Premium Bonds, but that after further consideration he was strongly convinced against them.