HC Deb 19 February 1947 vol 433 cc1352-3

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Supplementary sum, not exceeding £10 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 1947, for the salaries and expenses of the Ministry of Works.

Mr. Butcher

I do not want to detain the Committee at this time of night, but I would like to say that many of us welcome the right hon. Gentleman the Minister of Works in his new place. Now that the Ministry is in his hands, we would be grateful if he would open his career there by explaining the items in the Supplementary Estimate.

Mr. Key

There is little I need say about this. The increase so far as salaries are concerned, arises from the fact that there have been increases in the general rates of pay, not increases in the staff, dating back to 1st April, 1946. The item "incidental expenses" is concerned with the development of the photographic and printing sections of the Ministry.

Resolutions to be reported this day; Committee to sit again this day.