HC Deb 17 July 1922 vol 156 cc1702-3
30. Captain W. BENN

asked the Prime Minister what precise steps the Government is taking to continue the work of the Geddes Committee in reference to next year's Estimates?

Sir R. HORNE

As stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewisham (Lieut.-Colonel Pownall) on the 22nd June, the Government have set up two Cabinet Committees to consider the further reduction of National Expenditure. Departments have been instructed to submit provisional Estimates for 1923–4 at a much earlier date than usual, and these Estimates, after examination in the Treasury, will be submitted to the Cabinet Committees.

Sir DONALD MACLEAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer take into consideration the appointment of a Committee of this House, to consider these provisional Estimates?

Sir R. HORNE

That has been considered, but we have decided to carry out our investigation by means of the Cabinet Committees to which I have referred.

Captain BENN

Is the authority of these Committees to supersede the authority of the Treasury?

Sir R. HORNE

No; but, after all, the Government works in combination, not in compartments.