HC Deb 17 August 1909 vol 9 cc1094-5
Mr. HAROLD COX

asked whether the expenditure of £200,000 upon the Unemployed Workmen Act was foreseen at the time that the ordinary Estimates for the year were being prepared or at the time of the preparation of the Budget; and, if so, why this expenditure was not included in the Estimates for the year and in the Budget statement?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The Government had not decided at the time when the Estimates were being prepared whether it would be necessary to make a grant of £200,000 in the current financial year in connection with the Unemployed Workmen Act, and it seemed desirable to postpone taking a decision upon the point until a later period in the year.

Mr. COX

I asked whether it was foreseen at the time of the preparation of the Budget.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The Estimates preceded the Budget by nearly three months.

Mr. COX

That is why I asked another question altogether.