§ 31. Mr. E. HARMSWORTHasked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intends to take to carry into effect the demand of the people of this country, as expressed in the recent by-election in the Saint George's Division of Westminster, for an immediate reduction in Government expenditure; and whether, having regard to the openly expressed will of the electors, the Government will take steps to effect economies 24 now instead of waiting until next year, as was foreshadowed by the Circular issued by the Treasury?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend is mistaken in believing that economies are being postponed until next year, and if he will read the Treasury Circular to which he refers he will see that it states expressly that it is very desirable that the economies should be brought into operation this year.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHIs it intended to make any definite cuts in this year's Estimates?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes not the result of the Saint George's election show that what we need is a reversal of the policy which leads to expenditure?
Mr. J. JONESHas the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the result of the Heywood election?