HC Deb 03 November 1902 vol 113 cc1394-5
MR. M'CRAE (Edinburgh, E.)

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, on what authority expenditure is being incurred and issues are made1 from the Treasury for Terminal charges for South Africa, including transport for returning troops and gratuities to the soldiers; and, seeing that no sums were included in the Estimates for the current year for these purposes, will he say what opportunity will be given for consideration of the necessary Votes in Supply.

* THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. RITCHIE, Croydon)

The expenditure on terminal services is being incurred with the full cognisance of the Treasury out of the aggregate of existing Army Votes, in accordance with the power conferred by the 5th Section of the annual Appropriation Act. I understand that a Paper will be laid before the House at once purporting to show the anticipated redistribution of funds.

MR. M'CRAE

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the practice of transferring Votes from one head to another applies in this case, where the amount so transferred is about ten millions; and does he think that that is a proper system of controlling the national expenditure?

* MR. RITCHIE

It is the usual practice, and is authorised by Act of Parliament.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Is it not a fact that the practice authorised by Parliament is that the Treasury may only transfer what is saved on one Vote to another Vote in the same class?

* MR. RITCHIE

If the hon. Member desires any further information he should put down a Question on the Paper.