HC Deb 08 July 1914 vol 64 cc1069-70
13. Mr. SUTHERLAND

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why the list of charges transferred from local funds has been omitted from the Civil Service Estimates for 1914–15; and whether he will now circulate the same and state if any of the transferred charges are withdrawn by reason of the provisions of the Finance Bill?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

As stated in paragraph 4 of the Memorandum at the beginning of the volume of Civil Service Estimates, the information contained in the table referred to has little direct bearing on the Estimates and does not appear to be of sufficient value to justify the labour involved in its compilation. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the table took no account either of Education Grants or of the various Local Taxation Grants charged on the Consolidated Fund. None of the transferred charges are withdrawn.

Mr. PIRIE

Is this the first year that this novel procedure has been adopted?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I must ask for notice of that question.

Mr. PIRIE

Then I will ask another question. Was the knowledge that this list of charges transferred had been omitted from the Civil Service Estimates first brought to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman by the question of my hon. Friend?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

That is also a question of which I should like notice.