HC Deb 16 December 1919 vol 123 c229
52. Major GODFREY PALMER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the approximate daily national expenditure on 1st November, 1919, and 1st December, 1919, respectively?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the -TREASURY (Mr. Baldwin)

The average daily expenditure (Exchequer issues and Civil Contingency Fund advances unrepaid) for the 214 days from 1st April to 31st October was —4,063,227, and for the 244 days from 1st April to 30th November—3,990,496.

56. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount of the national revenue and expenditure for the current year up to the 13th December; and the amount by which the Floating Debt has been increased since the 7th August?

Mr. BALDWIN

The Exchequer receipts from 1st April to 13th December were —649,455,801, and the Exchequer issues —1,054,095,847. As my right hon. Friend has frequently explained, the revenue is more unevenly distributed through' the year than the expenditure, and a direct comparison between the above figures is misleading. With regard to Floating Debt, Treasury Bills have increased since 7th August by approximately —343,000,000, and Ways and Means Advances decreased by approximately —174,000,000, making a net increase of approximately —169,000,000.