§ 23. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what sum was first quoted to the Treasury in respect of the cost of the "Research"; what it is now estimated the ship will cost; what was the date when the Treasury were first notified that the sum originally quoted would be considerably exceeded; and if any other Governments are contributing to the cost of the ship?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)The Treasury were originally informed that the cost was not likely to exceed £60,000. The present estimate as shown on page 393 of the Navy Estimates 1939 is £206,353. In the Navy Estimates 1938, 1118 the figure of £188,503 was given. The Treasury were informed by letter of the present estimate on 20th March, 1939. The possibility of obtaining contributions from other Governments towards the cost is still under consideration.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherMay I ask why there was this failure to notify the Treasury of such very heavy excess expenditure on this ship?
§ Mr. ShakespeareIn view of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General I understand that the whole matter is coming before the Public Accounts Committee. Perhaps it would be better to let the whole question be examined by them before the House deals with it.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherIs it not the case that last year the Public Accounts. Committee recommended that the Admiralty accounting system should be reformed so as to prevent such incidents as this occurring of heavy excess expenditure being incurred without the Treasury being notified? Can the hon. Member say what steps have been taken to meet that recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee?
§ Mr. ShakespeareReference was made to it during the discussion of the Navy Estimates. A committee has been appointed to consider the whole matter.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the hon. Member say how often the Committee has met?