HC Deb 07 February 1933 vol 274 cc14-5
44. Lieut.-Colonel Sir VIVIAN HENDERSON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to meet the supplementary charge of just over £18,000,000 for the service of the Ministry of Labour during the current financial year without upsetting the balance of his Budget?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

This is only one of many items, some favourable and others unfavourable, that will affect the outturn of the present financial year, and, while the importance of providing all possible savings has been impressed on Government Departments, it is not possible as yet to estimate accurately the ultimate position, or to state what steps, if any, will be required to meet it. I may, however, say that I do not think that increased taxation for the current year will be called for in any case.

Mr. LAWSON

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer satisfied that the Supplementary Vote of £18,000,000 will meet the needs of the Ministry of Labour in view of the colossal increase of 180,000 in the number of the unemployed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no reason to suppose that it will not.

Mr. LAMBERT

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate another Supplementary Estimate on this subject before the Budget?

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