§ 67. Mr. R. LAMBERTasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will now state the total number of claims for out-of-pocket or other expenses made by delegates to the war savings meeting at the Albert Hall on 22nd October; whether the list is now complete; whether all the claims have now been examined; what was the total sum claimed; and what is the amount that has been paid or agreed to be paid in respect of these claims?
§ Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)The claims received up to date number 1,498 and amount to £3,798. I am unable to state whether further claims will be presented, but they are not likely to be numerous. The claims are in course of examination. The result of the examination so far as it has progressed shows that the claims are reasonable, and I have no doubt the majority will he paid in full.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the hon. Gentleman say how many delegates were invited by the Government to attend, and whether all those who were invited were told at the time that their expenses would be or might be paid?
§ Mr. BALDWINI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs it not the case that these delegates are all voluntary workers who give their time gratuitously to the country; whether most of them are not people of small means; and whether they did not come up to London in order that they might take back to the war savings committees all over the country the inspiration of the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. PRINGLE£3,000 worth of inspiration!