HC Deb 24 February 1916 vol 80 cc785-6
6. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary if he is now in a position to state the aggregate amount of economies which the Government have decided to effect in Irish administration, as compared with the aggregate expenditure in the last pre-war financial year?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)

It is not possible to answer the hon. Member's question until the Estimates for the year 1916-17 are ready for presentation to Parliament, and I must therefore ask that that presentation should be awaited.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to seize this occasion to make real economies which would be of advantage to the conduct of the War and also to Ireland permanently?

Mr. BIRRELL

I shall be very glad to seize these occasions when they offer.

51. Mr. WILLIAM YOUNG

asked the Prime Minister the names of the persons composing the Committees appointed by the Government for the purpose of safeguarding expenditure and effecting economies in the three great spending Departments of the Government; what are the functions and powers of the Committees; how long have they been acting; and the names of the chairmen of the three Committees?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

If my hon. Friend will refer to the OFFICIAL REPORT for the 6th, 13th, and 18th January last, he will, I think, find the information for which he asks. I should add that Mr. S. H. Lever is the chairman of the Committee which has been set up in the Ministry of Munitions. This Committee reports to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry.