65. Sir J. WALTONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to show the actual expenditure of the year 1919–20, it is necessary to hand back the 254 millions given as Appropriations in Aid of the year's expenditure; and whether he will have adjustments made in regard to these and otherwise as may be required to enable him to present a true balance-sheet in respect of the year 1919–20?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINFor the purpose of the Budget, which deals primarily with the amount of revenue required to be raised to meet expenditure, the relevant figures are the net figures of Supply Grants, not the gross figures to which the hon. Member refers.
Sir J. WALTONIs it not a fact that, in order to show the actual expenditure of 1919–20 it is necessary to add the £254,000,000, making, as a matter of fact, a total expenditure of £1,689,000,000?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir; in order to show the total expenditure of any year it is necessary to add the Appropriations in Aid—the net sums voted by the House.
Sir J. WALTONIs not that, therefore, necessary in order to give the House a true final balance-sheet for 1919–20?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn my Budget Statement I gave the final balance-sheet as far as I am in a position to do it.