§ 64 Major COLFOXasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now seen the evidence that the war savings committee of the borough of Blandford was asked to pay for a tank to assist in the Victory Loan campaign; whether the cost was to have been from £30 to £40, plus running expenses at 6s. to 7s. a mile, plus the cost of maintenance of the crew of one officer and four men whilst assisting; and whether this charge prevented the use of a tank and thereby prejudiced the success of the Loan?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have made inquiries as regards the case referred to and I understand that the Blandford War Savings Committee without previously consulting the National War Savings Committee applied direct to the military authorities, who informed the Committee of the cost of providing a tank, and it was for the Committee to decide whether that cost could be justifiably charged against the Grant allowed by the Treasury for the campaign. Had the local committee consulted the National War Savings Committee they would have been informed that the expenditure was not justified.