HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1884-5
47. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government, in the interests of national economy, intend to introduce legislation enabling them to entirely suspend for the duration of the War any statutory obligations or duties involving expense, such as land valuation, survey of the United Kingdom, and other similar matters which may he considered unnecessary for the effective prosecution of the War?

51. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take in order to give effect to the opinion expressed by the Committee on Public Retrenchment that any wholesale reduction of Civil expenditure can only be brought about by a general restriction of State activities and by the abrogation of Acts of Parliament enjoining such activities?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

While the Government are endeavouring to enforce rigid economy throughout the public service, they are not prepared to propose the repeal or suspension of the Statutes in question.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no men of military age and capacity are kept working for these useless purposes?

Mr. LLOYD GEORGE

I think that most of the men of military capacity who were engaged in these occupations were let go long ago.

Mr. TERRELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling that all these activities, which are costing money, ought to be stopped?

Sir J. D. REES

Has the Government noted that this is the chief recommendation of the Retrenchment Committee, and without it nothing can be done?

.Mr. ANDERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that to carry out a proper scheme of economy in this country means that we should have nothing except good old sound Toryism?