§ 48. Sir ROBERT HUTCHISONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the adverse balance in the last quarter of the national balance sheet, he proposes to appoint a second Geddes Committee to inquire into national expenditure?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the l5th June to a question by the hon. Member for Cardigan, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that there is nothing unusual in an excess of expenditure over revenue in the first quarter of the financial year.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is increasing interest being taken in financial and commercial circles all over the country in the rise of national expenditure, and can he announce any measures which are likely to be taken by the Government to bring about a reduction?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think that that arises, but I will communicate my right hon. Friend's observations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.