HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 cc1959-60
41. Captain W. BENN

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is intended to pre- sent for the present financial year a separate Estimate showing the total cost of the new Ministry of Mines; and whether it is proposed to present amended Estimates showing the reduced charges for the Departments from parts of which the new Ministry of Mines is to be constituted?

Mr. BONAR LAW

When the Ministry of Mines Bill becomes law, an Estimate showing the cost of the Department will be presented to the House, which will indicate the amounts previously included in the Votes for other Departments in respect of services transferred. Any balance, consequently, not required on existing Votes will be surrendered to the Exchequer.

Captain BENN

Do I understand that revised Estimates will not be presented by the other Departments, but that the sum will be raised by taxation?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think It will be necessary to make revised Estimates, but in any case it will not mean the spending of additional money.