38. Captain TERRELLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury is still carrying on investigations to ascertain whether any reductions are possible this year in the Estimates or Votes; and whether there have been any indications of economies since the Budget statement?
Mr. YOUNGYes, Sir. The Treasury is constantly exploring every possibility of effecting reductions in public expenditure. Further, a circular has recently been issued which, though primarily directed to the question of the preparation of next year's Estimates, will, it is hoped, as the result of the examination to be undertaken by Departments, secure economies in the course of the current year. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposes to lay this circular for the information of hon. Members.
Captain TERRELLIs it not true that the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently 144 issued a letter to each Government Department instructing them to reduce their expenditure by 20 per cent., and if that is so would it be possible to instruct each Government Department to report each quarter as to what economies they have effected, and, furthermore, could those reports be circulated to all Members of the House?
Mr. YOUNGI do not think that is quite an accurate interpretation of the actual wording of the circular, but it will be at the disposal of hon. Members in a very short time.
Captain TERRELLWould it be possible for each Government Department to report each quarter as to what economies have been effected in their Departments? May I ask for a reply, please?
Sir S. ROBERTSWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman see his way to send instructions to the different Departments that it is the wish of the Treasury and of this House that reports should be made during the current year?
Captain TERRELLMay I press for a reply? Surely they could instruct each Department to report each quarter as to what economies have been effected.
Mr. YOUNGThe hon. and gallant Gentleman can hardly expect a further reply from me. I will take the suggestion, which is quite new to me, into consideration.