HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1868-9
25. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

asked the Secretary of State for War and Air what was the cost incurred in 1913–14 in connection with the inspection of armament; what is the estimated expenditure under this head under the control of his department for 1920–21; and what increase would be necessary if the work of inspection now carried out by the Ministry of Munitions, and for which a sum of £950,000 is provided for 1920–21, were discontinued, assuming that similar arrangements were made for dealing with the work to those which obtained before the war?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

The cost incurred in 1913–14 in connection with the inspection of guns, carriages, ammunition, small arms and cognate stores was £156,300. No sum has been provided for this service in Army Estimates for 1920–21 as the inspection has not yet been transferred to the War Office. I am afraid I cannot answer the last part of the hon. and gallant Member's question until the future organisation under the War Office is settled.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that in the ordinary course of events it would cost considerably less if this inspection were handed over, as it should be, to the War Office?