§ 62. Mr. BETTERTONasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the practice of various Departments of submitting Supplementary Estimates for the sanction of the House to expenditure which has been already incurred; and whether, seeing that this practice deprives the House of all control over such expenditure, he will take steps to ensure that Estimates be in all cases presented before the money is expended?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Stanley Baldwin)The Treasury are constantly impressing on Departments the importance of obtaining Parliamentary sanction as soon as it becomes apparent that provision in an existing Estimate will be insufficient. The exigencies of Parliamentary procedure make it impossible to secure that in every case such sanction can be obtained in advance; but it is the recognised rule that this should be done, and I attach great importance to the observance of the rule.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it the practice for a Department to inform the Treasury as soon as they see that the Estimate which they have obtained from this House is likely to be exceeded?
§ Mr. BALDWINOh, certainly.
§ Colonel P. WILLIAMSIs any action taken with regard to an official who fails to submit an Estimate in time for this House? Is any disciplinary action taken against him?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe responsibility primarily rests on the Minister.
§ Colonel WILLIAMSIs anyone discharged for a breach of duty in this matter?
§ Mr. REMERWill the right hon. Gentleman see into the particular case arising out of this matter in regard to the Ministry of Food?