§ 46. Sir J. MARRIOTTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government propose to set up again a Select Committee on Estimates; and, if so, whether they propose to give to that Committee the powers proposed by the Select Committee on National Expenditure, 1918?
§ Mr. CLYNESHis Majesty's Government propose to ask the House to reappoint the Estimates Committee on the lines adopted in recent years.
Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that in view of the changed distribution of parties in this House wider powers should be given to this Committee so that they can guide the Committee of Supply?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe Government have not yet had time to reach a decision on the question of the powers referred to.
§ Viscount CURZONWill the right hon. Gentleman give consideration to the appointment of a Permanent Secretary to this Committee?
§ Mr. PRINGLEWould it not be competent for the House, which is now free, to modify the terms of reference to the Committee, as it pleases?
§ Mr. LEIF JONESDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the Committee on Estimates can be of little value unless it is armed with the powers which the Committee on National Expenditure asked for in 1918?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs I have said, the question of powers has to be considered.