HC Deb 21 February 1927 vol 202 cc1543-4

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Statement of the estimated Income and Expenditure of Greenwich Hospital and of Travers' Foundation for the year 1926 be approved."—[Lieut.-Colonel Headlam.]

Mr. N. MACLEAN

I do not wish to oppose this, but I think the House is entitled to some information. What is the idea of estimating income and expenditure for a year that has closed? Surely they know the income and the expenditure for the year that is finished? Are not the accounts approved and put forward in a proper manner?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)

Yes, they are put forward in the, ordinary manner. This is an annual return which is made in the same way every year. There is nothing unusual about it, and I do not think the hon. Member need worry about it any way. It is in the ordinary course. The Estimate is made, and the House approves it in this way. If the hon. Member has any questions to ask concerning it, we can furnish the explanation required; but there is nothing unusual about it, and it is the ordinary form in which it is always submitted to Parliament.

Mr. MACLEAN

Can I put down questions upon this subject in the ordinary course, and to whom?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The hon. Member can ask any question he likes.

Mr. MACLEAN

To whom are the questions to be put?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

To me.

Resolved, That the Statement, of the estimated Income and Expenditure of Greenwich Hospital and of Travers' Foundation for the year 1926 be approved.