§ MR. FORWOOD (Lancashire, Ormskirk)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury why he has omitted from the Civil Service Estimates, Class I., Vote 8, Sub-heads K. and O. and in other Votes for Public; Buildings, the information hitherto always given of the gross amount of previous Votes and lie-Votes, opposite each building in course of construction or to be constructed; and whether, before the Votes are submitted to the House, he will have statements prepared and submitted setting out the details of the Votes in the same form as in past years; and if any other changes have been made in the forms of or particulars given in the Estimates?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThe column headed "Gross amount of previous Votes and Re-Votes" was omitted in this year's Revenue Department Buildings Estimates—-first, in order to simplify a table which remains sufficiently complicated; and, secondly, because the figures in such column had become misleading under the present system of deducting from the total sub-head a large round sum for "possible delays in progress," or "works which may not be carried out during the year." For this reason I think it unnecessary, but I will ask the Office of Works whether they will furnish a separate Return. The summary prefixed to the Estimates has been improved, but I am not aware of any other changes of form.
§ MR. FORWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to have the statement prepared before the Estimates come on for discussion?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI will see if it can be done.
§ MR. FORWOODWill it be necessary for me to repeat the question?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTCertainly not.