§ 37. Sir J. LONSDALEasked the Prime Minister if the Government have given consideration to the Report of the Committee on Public Retrenchment; and if he will state whether, and to what extent, effect will be given to the recommendations of that Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERImmediate steps are being taken to give effect to those recommendations which do 832 not require legislation. The remainder will be dealt with in the Finance Bill, and they will, I trust, be approved by this House. The only recommendation which His Majesty's Government has been unable to accept in its entirety is that dealing with the increase of postal rates.
§ Mr. BOOTHAre we to understand that any recommendations dealing with the reconstruction of the Insurance Act and its administration will be dealt with in the Finance Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not quite sure. I should like notice of that question.
§ 41. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extravagance and waste disclosed from time to time in camps, purchase of materials, and other directions, he will extend the sphere of inquiry for the Retrenchment Committee to cover the operations of the War Office or, alternatively, appoint another Committee with the object of diminishing the present ineffective expenditure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI dealt with this matter in my speech of the 20th July on the Vote of Credit. I have nothing to add to what I then said.