§ 53. Mr. McENTEEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the total extra cost of the civil and defence services during the ensuing financial year due to there being 53 weekly pay days in the year?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERThe total extra cost is estimated at about £865,000; £381,000 of which is on account of defence services and the remainder on account of civil services. This figure relates to the directly paid staff of the civil and defence services, including the Post Office and Revenue Departments, and does not include any estimate, which it would be difficult to frame, of the extra cost on grant-aided services.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYOn a point of Order. I understand that Tuesdays and Thursdays are allotted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and may I ask whether it is not ordinary courtesy on the part of the Government that either the Chancellor or the Financial Secretary to the Treasury should be present to answer questions?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo point of Order arises. It is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.