§ 50. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the Prime Minister the total cost to the Exchequer of expenditure connected with the coal stoppage; and what Supplementary Estimate will be needed to meet such charges?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Supplementary Estimates already presented for Emergency Services and Rail way Agreements. Further Supplementary Estimates will be required for Navy, Army, and Air Services, the total cost of which, to date, including terminal charges still to be incurred, is estimated at about £9,000,000. As the coal stoppage still continues and the net result of Government purchases of coal for essential services cannot yet be determined, it is impossible to give any final figures.
§ Captain BENNWill the House of Commons have an opportunity of discussing this Supplementary Estimate?
§ Mr. YOUNGI am reminded that the Railway Vote is being taken on Thursday. The remainder of the question should be addressed to the Leader of the House.
Captain TERRELLAre we to take it from the answer that no further Estimate will be required for the railways?