DR. MACNAMAEAI beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt were, in the evidence given before the Select Committee of 1902 on Savings Banks Funds, admitted by the Controller-General of the National Debt to be practically a phantom body; and, if so, whether he will recommend the appointment of a Committee to consider the position and duties of the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt, and to report whether any, and, if so, what, alterations should be made in the constitution and status of the body with the view of restoring to it the position of exercising control over the national finances.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN,E.) Worcestershire,No, Sir, I am not prepared to recommend the appointment of a Committee for the purpose suggested by the hon. Member. I may add that there is no foundation for the suggestion that it is the business of the National Debt Commissioners to control the national finances.
§ DR. MACNAMARAasked whether it was not the fact that the Commissioners had never met since their appointment in 1862.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI think they met once—in 1864, but I am not quite certain. The work of the Commissioners is carried on by the Controller's Office in frequent communication with and under the direction of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who consults the other Commissioners if he thinks it necessary.
§ DR. MACNAMARAHave they ever met since their appointment.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINI think once, but if the hon. Member wants particulars of these meetings and will put down an unstarred Question, I will, if I can, answer it.