§ 45. Sir K. WOODasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present national situation and the decision that schemes involving heavy expenditure must await the return of prosperity, he proposes to suspend proceedings on any Bills now before the House which involve large national charges?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)I am not aware of any Bills now before Parliament which involve heavy national charges except such as will be of an economic value.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman recall the heavy charges in connection with the Agricultural Bill, and is he really not going to take the first step that any wise man would take when he is faced with a deficit to put his affairs right?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe first step that any wise man would take is that if he can get 25s. for 20s. he will spend the 20s. in order to get the 25s.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes not the right hon. Gentleman feel very relieved at the course which the other House took yesterday?
§ 46. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Prime Minister if he can now give the full list of persons who have accepted his invitation to become members of the new Economy Committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNot yet. Sir.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEIf I put a question down early next week will the Prime Minister be able to give me an answer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have already indicated to the hon. Member who put the first question to me some days ago that he might put down a question later, and then I will give an answer.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs it intended to put Members of Parliament on this committee?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe matter is in hand, and has been in hand since the day when the Resolution was carried.