§ 72. Mr. GRETTONasked the Secretary to the Treasury who is responsible for the expenditure of the War Savings Committee; can he say what has been the expenditure by or on the recommendation of the War Savings Committee; and what sum has been spent on Press advertisements and on posters to advertise war saving?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Montagu)The expenditure of the National War Savings Committee is accounted for by the Secretary of the Committee as a sub-accountant of the Treasury, and the head of that Department is responsible to Parliament. It is not possible to give exact figures up to date, but the total expenditure by or on behalf of the National War Savings Committee up to 31st May, 1916, is roughly £5,000. This figure includes salaries, expenses, etc., cost of printing and distribution of leaflets and posters, and bill-posting. It does not include Press advertisements of the War Savings Certificates, for which no separate figure is available apart from advertisements of Exchequer Bonds, whether of the Bank of England or of the Post Office issue. As stated in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 24th May, 1916, to my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow, the figures for posters and bill-posting for posters advocating economy is £238 18s. If the cost of posters advertising War Savings Certificates be added, the total cost of posters and bill-posting (included in the above total of £5,000) is about £750.
§ Mr. GRETTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say on what Vote this account will be taken?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Vote of Credit.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether that includes the cost of paper?
§ Mr. MONTAGUIt includes the full expenses of the Committee.