§ 67. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Transport whether the recommendation of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that the outlay on the salary list of the Ministry of Transport should be cut down from £416,000 to £346,000 is to be carried out; and, if not, for what reason?
§ Mr. NEALThe Select Committee on National Expenditure do not recommend any reduction in the current outlay in salaries of the existing staff of the Ministry, but on the contrary, approve certain increases. The Estimates framed 1746 in December last were cast so as to cover certain contingencies and possibilities which have not arisen, and it has been found possible to reduce the margin for vacant posts. In order that hon. Members may be fully informed upon this and other matters, the Minister of Transport has submitted revised Estimates to the Treasury and arranged for the same to be presented forthwith.
§ Mr. KILEYAm I to understand that the Ministry of Transport propose to limit the expenditure to £346,000 for the coming year?
§ Mr. NEALThat will appear better when my hon. Friend sees the revised Estimate which, I hope, will be in the hands of Members to-morrow morning.