§ 8. Mr. BATEYasked 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. STANLEYThe 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. BATEYThen were the Estimates Committee wrong when they said that this sum had not been voted by Parliament?
Mr. STANLEYNo, 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. TINKERCan the Minister say whether the cost of the administration saved the amount which would have been paid if no commissioners had been appointed?