§ 43. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether it has yet been decided to give a day's Debate for the discussion of the general question of Government expenditure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI should welcome such a discussion, but I see no prospect of it at present except on a Supply day.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs this question not considered as being of equal importance with the other questions for which facilities have been afforded for Debate?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat is quite true. I should prefer to see that subject discussed, but it does not depend upon us on Supply day, and I see no other opportunity for it.
§ 44. Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether he will reconsider his decision not to invite the Treasury to frame alternative estimates of the national income.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can add nothing to the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 29th June.
§ Mr. Locker-LampsonIf the Government do not know and cannot find out what the income is, how can they find out the proper limit of their expenditure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. Friend knows that neither the Government nor anybody else can give an accurate estimate of the national expenditure.
§ Mr. Locker-LampsonWill the Treasury present an alternative estimate?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWhat is the advantage of an alternative estimate?
§ Captain W. BENNWill the right hon. Gentleman put the House in possession of such information as the Treasury possess as to the national income?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer and ascertain if there is any advantage in giving the estimates which have been made.