HC Deb 21 April 1932 vol 264 cc1634-5
43. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for a day to be available this Session for the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and for the Chairman of the Estimates Committee, respectively, to initiate Debates on the reports of their committees should those committees think it desirable?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion has been noted and will be carefully considered, subject to the state of public business at the time, when the main reports of these committees have been issued.

Mr. KNIGHT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any section of public business that is of the same importance as a careful review of the Estimates of the country?

Mr. BALDWIN

I think that is a rather hypothetical question, and my answer goes as far as I think the House will expect at the moment.

Mr. KNIGHT

May we take it that, if a suitable opportunity occurs, the present Government will give the House an opportunity of carefully reviewing the financial situation of the country and the requirements of the Departments?

Mr. BALDWIN

That is exactly what I said.