§ 47. Mr. W. CARTERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the suspension of the Education Act of 1918 in certain areas owing to the expenses involved 1352 in bringing it into operation, the Government will suspend all naval construction and military enterprises, particularly those undertaken for the subjugation of Ireland, until the financial state of the country is such as to enable an adequate education to be provided for all its citizens?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer is in the negative, but expenditure will be reduced in all Departments where reduction is compatible with the public interest.
§ Mr. CARTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the country that too much money is being spent on Army and Navy affairs, and too little on education?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. What is borne in upon me is that there is a very strong feeling in the country, as well as in the Government, that too much money is being spent altogether.
§ Captain W. BENNWould the right hon. Gentleman lay a Paper showing the total charges involved in the administration in Ireland—naval, military, civil, police, and the rest?
§ Mr. CARTERAre we to understand from the answer that the present Government have ceased to consider the advisability of introducing any social reform that will cost money?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir; but the hon. Member is to understand that the Government are benton securing economy, and reduction of expenditure, if that be possible.
§ Mr. CARTERAt the cost of the comfort and the education of the people? Is that economy?
§ Mr. DEVLINIs it the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman that the only expenditure that is justifiable by this House or in the country is expenditure upon the non-productive and dangerous purpose of subjugating and persecuting the Irish people?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, certainly not; but I do think that it is the first duty of any Government to give protection to its citizens.
§ 108. Captain BENNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he anticipates that his Estimates of Revenue and expenditure for the present year will be realised; and, if not, whether it will be necessary to present a revised Budget?
§ Sir R. HORNEI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given yesterday by the Financial Secretary to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Peebles.
§ Captain BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the extent to which the expenditure this year will exceed the estimate of expenditure in the Budget?
§ Sir R. HORNEIt is not possible to give such estimate at present.