§ 66. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that this year's Supply Estimates are £55,000,000 greater than those of the first Budget of 1931 and, apart from grants under the De-rating Act, are £105,000,000 higher than those of the Budget of 1929, he is prepared to appoint a committee to consider and report what economies are possible?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Duff Cooper)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 4th March last.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHaving regard to the fact that some of these Estimates were presented since the 4th of March, is not that answer rather out of date?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir, because the reasons given then by my right hon. Friend for the increase in these Estimates all apply to the present. Estimates.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEAre we to understand that the Government have completely forgotten the necessity for economy?
§ Mr. COOPERNo, Sir.