MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, can he explain how it is that the Exchequer issues in respect of the National Debt for 1904–5, as shown in the published accounts, amount to £26,986,668 insted of £27,000,000, the permanent or fixed annual charge, and why the balance of £13,332 was not issued.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURE (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH, Derbyshire, W.)The hon. Member's Question is based on a misapprehension of the figures in the published accounts. The Exchequer issues in respect of the National Debt for 1904–5 were £27,000,000 as provided by law.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESI have added up the figures. I want the hon. Gentleman to explain the misapprehension.
§ MR. VICTOR CAVENDISHI can do it, but not in answer to a Question across the floor of the House.