§ 16. Mr. MORRISasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a, position to state what economies he has effected in the administration of his Department; and whether such economies will result in decreased Estimates for the coming year?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am considering the matter in conjunction with the Cabinet Committee on Economy. I expect that the sum required for the administration of the Department during the next financial year will be less than that required during the present financial year. As the hon. Member is probably aware, there are contractual obligations with regard to zinc concentrates, which figure in the Estimates, but which it is not within the power of the Department to vary.
Mr. ALEXANDERDoes that answer mean that there is to be a re-grading of the Staff of the Board of Trade; and is it proposed that there should be any reduction of salaries?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt would be quite impossible for me to answer anticipatory questions as to the Estimates or to deal with these points until the Estimates are presented.
§ Mr. MORRISCan the right hon. Gentleman say how much less the cost will be this year, compared with last year?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI think the hon. Member had better wait and see the Estimate.
Vice-Admiral Sir REGINALD HALLIs there any overlapping of duties between the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Transport?
§ Sir P CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo. I do not think there is. I have tried while in office to avoid overlapping everywhere.