HC Deb 17 July 1918 vol 108 cc1039-40
62. Mr. HOLT

asked 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-EVANS

In 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. HOLT

Is 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-EVANS

The quotation is from the White Paper headed "Vote of Credit"

Mr. HOLT

Is the hon. Gentleman quoting from the Vote of Credit as passed by this House?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I believe it is exactly in these terms.

Mr. HOLT

Will the hon. Gentleman look and ascertain, because, as a matter of fact, he is not?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

If the hon. Member knows, he does not need to ask me.

Mr. KING

Is 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-EVANS

The 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.