HC Deb 08 July 1931 vol 254 cc2079-80
45. Mr. C. WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the course of abolishing Ministries that may now be superfluous or could be dispensed with in the interests of economy?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Philip Snowden)

No large economy can be effected by the abolition of Ministries unless the services for which they were established can also be abolished. The question whether any real economy can be achieved by the abandonment of any of the existing Government services is a matter within the field of inquiry of the Economy Committee whose report is expected shortly.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I ask whether the Economy Committee are going into this question in detail?

Mr. SNOWDEN

I do not know, but, as I have stated over and over again, we are leaving it to the Committee to conduct their own business in their own way.

Sir A. POWNALL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what substantial contribution the present Cabinet is going to make towards the cause of economy?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The hon. Member had better wait until the report of the Economy Committee is published. As I have said over and over again, the House set up that Committee, and the responsibility for dealing with the matter rests with them.

Sir A. POWNALL

Is not this substantial contribution a question for the Cabinet rather than for the Economy Committee.

46. Mr. HAMMERSLEY

asked the Prime Minister what economies have been introduced as a result of the deliberations of the Economy Committee?

Mr. SNOWDEN

The hon. Member's question is premature, as the Economy Committee has not yet presented its report.