HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1602-4
59. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state under what estimate has authority been granted for the expenditure of £80,000 per month on subsidiary construction and housing at the national shipyards; and whether the Treasury is satisfied that the nation will get value for this expenditure?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The expenditure is being defrayed from Subhead K of the Vote for the Ministry of Shipping, where specific provision is made for national shipyard construction. The policy approved by the Treasury is that such, and only such, further expenditure should be incurred as is necessary to secure that the ultimate sale of the shipyard shall take place on terms favourable to the State.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the Treasury really assured that the nation is getting value for this £80,000 a month now being spent on the national shipyards?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The primary responsibility does not rest with the Treasury, and neither the Treasury nor I can, or ought to, attempt to discharge the duties of individual Ministers or other Ministers; but we are satisfied that the course proposed is in principle the most advantageous to the State.

Mr. LAMBERT

Does not the Treasury exercise any control over the expenditure on these national shipyards?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, the same kind of control which the Treasury exercised when the right hon. Gentleman was in office over his expenditure as Civil Lord of the Admiralty.

Mr. FRANCE

Is this expenditure on houses in connection with the shipyards being incurred simply on the chance of these shipyards being used some day?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The expenditure is being incurred in order that they may be disposed of on the most favourable terms to the State.

Mr. LAMBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the national shipyards do, as the Admiralty did when I was in office, submit an estimate of their expenditure to the Treasury?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I must have notice of that.

Mr. LAMBERT

Why did you make a charge?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I made no charge against the right hon. Gentleman. The control is the usual normal Treasury control. What I am anxious about is that the House should understand that the responsibility of the Treasury does not relieve the Department concerned of any of its own responsibility.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it not a fact that all the Departments submit an estimate to the Treasury, and has the Ministry of Shipping submitted any estimate to the Treasury for the national shipyards?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, they have. I asked for notice of that question because I wanted to be certain, and the question was put without notice. I am now informed that they have.

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