§ 52. Sir W. Smithersasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in order to save filling up of returns, he will take the necessary steps whereby a captain or commander in the Royal Navy, a field officer in the Army, or a squadron-leader in the Royal Air Force, can certify expenditure up to an amount not exceeding £50?
§ Captain CrookshankI am anxious to eliminate all unnecessary formalities, but I do not think I could accept so general a proposal. The question of delegation of financial powers within Departments is constantly under review, and if my hon. Friend will send me any suggestions for the simplification or elimination of specific returns, I will see that they are examined by the Departments concerned.
§ Sir W. SmithersI would like to thank my right hon. and gallant Friend for that answer, but if this suggestion is not acceptable or workable, would he think of some scheme by which the incessant filling-up of forms for comparatively small amounts can be eliminated?
§ Captain CrookshankI cannot go further than I have done in my reply, which was to the effect that I am anxious to do what is possible, but that Departments naturally have a considerable power of delegation, and that if there are any suggestions which my hon. Friend wishes to make, I will be glad to pass them on. The suggestion in the Question is one which I cannot understand.