§ 53. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will describe the subsidies, direct and indirect, now being paid by the State in this reconstruction period; if he will state the annual amounts; if he will indicate the expected duration of time during which their payment will continue to be essential; and whether the State is taking action and, if so, what to bring home to the public in respect of each subsidy that what relief is given in one direction has to be met in another out of the national finances?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSixty millions is provided in the Estimates for payments under the Railway Agreements and £950,000 for Canals Compensation. A Supplementary Estimate for £26,400,000 has been presented in respect of coal. As regards the first two services, some payments from the Exchequer will probably be necessary for at any rate the next two years, though I trust that these will be on a considerably smaller scale than at present. It is not possible at the present time to give any indication as to what Exchequer liabilities in connection with coal supplies may amount to in the future
Account must also be taken of the out-of-work donation, the estimate for which for the current year is £34,500,000. It is pay able up to 24th November next in the ease of civilians, and for a year after demobilisation in the case of ex-soldiers, sailors and airmen.
1147 As regards foodstuffs, the only direct subsidy is the Bread Subsidy. The present rate of this remains approximately that shown in the estimates as £50,000,000, but it is hoped to effect an appreciable reduction of this amount in the course of the financial year. Under present arrangements this subsidy will continue until the average cost of imported wheat reaches such a figure as will enable the 9d. loaf to be produced without cost. It is not anticipated that this will happen before the autumn of 1920.
§ Mr. CLOUGHDoes not the Chancellor of the Exchequer think it would be better for all subsidies of all kinds to cease before the next Budget is introduced?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member may be quite certain he will have the sympathy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, but whether it is possible is another question.