HC Deb 12 July 1934 vol 292 cc506-7
8. Mr. BATEY

asked the Minister of Labour the cost of commissioners and their staff in the County of Durham from their appointment to the latest available date; and whether such cost has been sanctioned by this House?

Mr. STANLEY

The cost of the commissioners and their staff in the County of Durham from their appointment in December, 1932, to 30th June, 1934, is approximately £82,000. Authority for this expenditure is given by Article 7 of the Unemployment Insurance (National Economy) (No. 2) Order, 1931, together with the approval by Parliament of the annual estimates for the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. BATEY

Then were the Estimates Committee wrong when they said that this sum had not been voted by Parliament?

Mr. STANLEY

No, that is not what the Estimates Committee said. They did not question any lack of statutory authority. What they did say was that an opportunity might have been taken to present the matter in a more formal way, and that point will be considered.

Mr. BATEY

Does that mean that we can now have an opportunity of debating it?

Mr. STANLEY

Oh, no, we are considering the future.

Mr. TINKER

Can the Minister say whether the cost of the administration saved the amount which would have been paid if no commissioners had been appointed?

Mr. STANLEY

That is another question.

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