§ 62. Mr. HOLTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the date of the Vote of Credit which authorises Grants to churches as desirable in view of the conditions created by the War?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIn the Vote of Credit dated the 12th November, 1914, and in Votes of Credit since that date, it is stated that the Vote is intended to cover not only the cost of naval and military operations, but also all expenditure which may be necessary or desirable in view of the conditions created by the War.
§ Mr. HOLTIs the hon. Gentleman quoting from the Vote of Credit or from the Treasury Minute as to the meaning of the Vote of Credit?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe quotation is from the White Paper headed "Vote of Credit"
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI believe it is exactly in these terms.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf the hon. Member knows, he does not need to ask me.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has been raised before in this House; that, owing to the uncertainty whether certain expenditure could be undertaken, the words were changed at one stage; were not these Grants made before the change came in, and are they not, therefore, illegal?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe hon. Member is right in saying that the words were changed. The first Vote of Credit was not in these terms. My answer said that the Vote of Credit of November, 1914, and all subsequent Votes of Credit, contained these words.