P521ORACLE 521 Mon 6 Jan C4 1712:01   SAVINGS RECORD  FUELS MORTGAGE HOPE Building Societies have reported a record surge in savings fgr December, usually a poor month, fuelling hopes of a cut in the mort£age rate. Net receipts for the mgnth show saver1 paid in about £800m, with a further £700m raised in the money markets. The total was the best on recgrd and, with demand for mort£ages los, it co4ld bring forward a cut in the loan rate1. The societies say the cash came from people who missed out on Laura Ashley shares and others who no lgnger need a £100 balance to avoid bank char£es. CUR SKIING HOLS.............584