§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that, in the financial year ending 31st March, 1901, surpluses from the clothing and other Votes were applied to the purchase of defective field guns in Germany for which the sanction of the House has yet to be sought, the matter can be raised on the Army Estimate 1900–1, Excess Vote, or must be deferred until the application to the House usually made towards the end of the session.
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHThis matter can be raised, either upon the Army Estimates for 1902–3, or on the declaratory Resolution on Army expenditure which sanctions the action taken by the Treasury. It does not come within the scope of the Excess Vote now before the House.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year we were told that the matter could not be raised on the Estimates of this year? Has anything taken place which makes it appropriate to the Estimates of next year?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHI will inquire further into the question.