HC Deb 05 June 1912 vol 39 cc124-5
9. Mr. HUNT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say for what purpose he intends to apply the surplus of £6,500,000, and, if not, can he say when he will be able to tell the House how this surplus is to be spent; and will he in any case be able to tell the House before the Adjournment in August?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George)

I will refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him on the 8th and 20th May, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. HUNT

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether he will be able to state, before the Adjournment in August, how the surplus is to be spent?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

Oh! certainly, long before that.

Mr. JAMES HOPE

May I ask how much of this sum will be absorbed by Supplementary Naval Estimates?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I cannot answer that myself.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

May I ask when the Report stage of the Budget Resolutions will be taken?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I am afraid that in the absence of the Prime Minister I could not answer that question.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

When will the Prime Minister be here?

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will consider whether £3,000,000 of the surplus could not be set aside for the purpose of giving the State Insurance benefits as soon as the National Insurance Act comes into operation?