HC Deb 22 March 1922 vol 152 cc477-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, That on this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 15, the Army Excess Vote, 1920–21, and Army (Ordnance Factories) Excess Vote, 1920–21, may be considered in Committee of Supply."—[Mr. Chamberlain.]

Mr. HOGGE

As this is a very unusual Motion, would my right hon. Friend mind telling us what is its exact purpose?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This authorises us to take on a Supply day, without converting it into a non-Supply day, Excess Votes in regard to two Services relating, not to the expenditure of the current year but to the expenditure of the year before the current year. These Votes have been examined by the Public Accounts Committee, and they have received the sanction of that Committee. They have passed the scrutiny of that Committee. I ought in frankness to say that it has been the practice to include these Excess Votes in the Consolidated Fund Bill at the end of the year, and it is in order to comply with that practice that I have put down and moved this Motion.

Mr. MILLS

Should I be in order in drawing attention to a question on the Army (Ordnance Factories) Excess Vote before the vote on this Motion is taken?

Mr. SPEAKER

No, not on this Motion. The hon. Member must wait until the House gets into Committee on the Vote.

Question put, and agreed to.

Ordered, That on this day, notwithstanding anything in Standing Order No. 15, the Army Excess Vote, 1920–21, and Army (Ordnance Factories) Excess Vote, 1920–21, may be considered in Committee of Supply.