§ Motion made, and Question proposed,
§ "That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £10,000 be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1940, for a Grant in Aid of the Government Hospitality Fund."
§ 8.3 p.m.
§ The First Commissioner of Works (Mr. Ramsbotham)I should like to say a word upon this Supplementary Estimate. The Government Hospitality Fund was established many years ago, and the First Commissioner of Works has always been entrusted with its administration. The original Estimate up to next April was £12,000, and I am now asking for a Supplementary Estimate of £10,000 to cover expenses which could not have been foreseen when the original Estimate was 322 prepared. Those additional expenses are the result of the war, which has brought to our shores many visitors. At great risk and inconvenience to themselves, they have come here to assist us in the successful conduct of the war. The Government have been glad to entertain the Turkish Mission, and a number of French Deputies whose co-operation and counsel we have greatly valued and with whom we hope to maintain close and cordial contact. I am sure that no Member of the Committee will begrudge for a moment the cost of entertaining distinguished visitors, and will wish that the hospitality extended to them should be the best and most generous which the country can afford.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Resolved,
§ "That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £10,000, be granted to His Majesty, to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1940, for a Grant in Aid of the Government Hospitality Fund."