§ Mr. FELLasked if the Chancellor of the Exchequer alone carries out the functions of the National Debt Commissioners, who never meet for the transaction of business; and if in the result the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as representing the Treasury, hands over to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as representing the National Debt Commissioners, such funds as it suits 38 his convenience to have collected within the financial year?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe functions of the National Debt Commissioners are in practice exercised by the Secretary and Comptroller-General, subject to the ministerial supervision of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The issues from the Exchequer in respect of Old Sinking Fund, to which I take it the latter part of the question refers, are governed by Statute and are subject to the supervision and control of the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
§ Mr. FELLDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that the Commissioners, if they met, would be able to put pressure on the Chancellor of the Exchequer in this matter?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI do not think I can answer a hypothetical question of that sort.