HC Deb 10 May 1916 vol 82 c659
68. Mr. FELL

asked what steps the Government propose to take to curtail or stop the expenditure of money by the public in purchase of articles which are not necessaries, but which are being bought lavishly out of the money put in circulation by the heavy expenditure of the Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

A campaign is being conducted by the National War Savings Committee, which is promoting the establishment of local central committees throughout the country, with a view to bringing prominently to the attention of all members of the community the urgent need for personal economy of expenditure, so that labour and services of all kinds may be set free for the prosecution of the War and that money may be saved for lending to the Government. In addition, as the hon. Member is aware, steps have been taken, by the imposition of taxation and the prohibition of certain classes of imports, to check wasteful expenditure of the kind referred to. The whole question is receiving constant and careful attention.

Mr. FELL

Has the Government done nothing further in the circumstances?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government is doing everything it can. Any suggestions made by the hon. Member will be most carefully considered.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is not the Government wasting an enormous amount of paper?

Mr. W. THORNE

Will the Government not make up its mind as to the possibility of stopping horseracing altogether?