Select Committee on Estimates (Report)

HC Deb 28 January 1957 vol 563 c645

7. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Select Committee on Estimates, Second Report, 19th December, 1956; what financial economies he expects to achieve; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I am at present studying this Report. A reply will be communicated to the Committee in due course, and, if it is the wish of the House, I will also make a statement.

Mr. Nabarro

I hope that my right hon. Friend's study is fruitful. Is it not a fact that this Report reveals most glaring deficiencies in administration—waste and extravagance—on the part of his Department? Is not the House of Commons entitled, following a report of its own Members, to demand a rigid review of expenditure with a view to substantial economies?

Mr. Rankin

And a new Government.

Mr. Jones

Some of the recommendations of the Report are statements of the ideal, with which nobody will quarrel. Of course it would be wrong to overload the aircraft industry, but the question of practical judgment whether this or that item is justifiable is quite different. That can be decided upon only after much more detailed investigation.