HC Deb 11 March 1893 vol 9 cc1722-3
MR. HANBURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Ordnance Factory Vote will come on? Is it usual to take money in the Army Estimates for the Ordnance Vote before that Vote has been submitted to the House?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I am not able to say what is usual. There will be no departure from the ordinary practice.

MR. HANBURY

I do not ask what is usual, but whether the right hon. Gentleman is not compelled by law to bring the Vote on before applying money to the Ordnance Factory Vote?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If so, I shall do it.

MR. E. STANHOPE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Public Accounts Committee stated that the Ordnance Factory Vote ought always to be taken before the conclusion of the financial year?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If that is so I shall do it. I do not mean to say that I shall necessarily follow the course recommended by the Public Accounts Committee, but the usual practice which has been followed by the right hon. Gentleman himself will be adopted in this case. There may be some recommendations of the Committee that have not been carried into effect yet.

MR. HANBURY

Has the right hon. Gentleman legal power to take money from the Army Vote for the purposes of the Ordnance Vote before that Vote is passed?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

If not, it will not be taken.