§ 61. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to form an estimate of the amount by which the former five-year estimate of £1,500,000,000 expenditure upon armaments is now likely to be exceeded?
§ The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon)I am not in a position to make a statement.
§ Mr. Garro JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make a statement about this vitally important matter, and is he quite sure that the expenditure is not becoming out of hand?
§ Sir J. SimonI am quite sure that the expenditure will not exceed the limits of what it is necessary to spend in order to meet our requirements. I cannot say at present when a statement will be made.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether the expenditure has yet exceeded that authorised by the House?
§ Sir J. SimonNot as far as I know.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the numerous additions to the original programme and the vast increase in the prices of raw materials and finished goods the original estimate given to us a year ago can bear no relation to the total expenditure?
§ Sir J. SimonThe House has already been informed that the preliminary estimate is likely to be substantially exceeded, but the expenditure certainly bears some relation to it.