HC Deb 30 April 1930 vol 238 cc195-6
25. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to what use the unexpended balances of sums issued to the Empire Marketing Board have been put in each of the following years: 1926–27, 1927–28, 1928–29, and 1929–30?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Lunn)

The unexpended balances of sums issued to the Empire Marketing Board are not liable to surrender. The balance at the end of any financial year remains in the Empire Marketing Fund and is used to meet expenditure incurred by the Board in the succeeding year.

Mr. ALBERY

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, under existing circumstances, some of this surplus money could not be usefully employed?

Mr. LUNN

I think I am expressing the opinion of the House when I say that the money is being usefully employed by the Empire Marketing Board.

Mr. SMITHERS

Would the hon. Gentleman say how much money stands to the credit of the Empire Marketing Board at the present moment?

Mr. LUNN

That is not the question I have been asked, but, if the hon. Member desires to have that information, I will give it.