§ 36. Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether the Finance Committee of the Cabinet has yet made any estimate of what this country, taking its income into consideration, can really afford in the way of public expenditure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn presenting the Estimates which have been laid before the House, the Cabinet must be taken as approving the expenditure therein provided, and in sanctioning the Budget proposals they show that they are of opinion that the country can provide the resources necessary to meet it.
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it very important that we should have some kind of estimate of what this country can afford?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI take it the Budget Estimate presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer represents an inquiry of that sort.
Mr. PALMERWould it not be a good idea to appoint Committees of business men to go into the whole business, and to examine the Estimates of Departments?
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTCan the country still afford the Disposal Board, and if not, can it be wound up at an early date?