38. Mr. F. HALLasked in which of the published public accounts, and in what 343 item of such accounts, the disposal of the £1,500,000 diverted from the Old Sinking Fund of last year is shown?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe item forms part of the Exchequer Balances shown on the account of Public Income and Expenditure for 1912–13, which was presented on the 17th instant, and will very shortly be issued to the House.
Mr. F. HALLMay I ask whether the amount was not ear-marked for the purpose of the Navy and for the purpose of loans to the East African Protectorate and to Uganda; and was not notification given to the House in July, 1912, that it was for those purposes?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI explained very fully yesterday what it was for. It was simply added to the Exchequer Balances, and when added to the Exchequer Balances nothing is ear-marked.
Mr. F. HALLMay the £1,500,000 be used for the purpose of liquidating any deficit in the Budget of 1913–14?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEOf course Exchequer Balances can be used for liquidating any debt.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is raising a debate. If he does not agree with the Chancellor of the Exchequer he had better raise it at the proper time.