§ 25. Mr. Croninasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he proposes to enlist the support of persons who are neither members of the Government nor in the Government Service in his proposed inquiry into Treasury control of expenditure.
§ Mr. SimonThis will not be an inquiry into Treasury control, but a review of the principles and practice which govern the whole control by the Executive of public expenditure. My right hon. Friend hopes before the Recess to be in a position to make a further statement about how it will be conducted.
§ Mr. CroninWill the hon. and learned Gentleman undertake to make this inquiry as broad as possible and to bring 1550 in as many unofficial persons as possible in order to obtain a full report? An inquiry of the Government, by the Government and for the Government will not be so beneficial as a fuller report.
§ Mr. SimonI would ask the hon. Gentleman to read the Treasury observations to the Select Committee on Estimates, and to await my right hon. Friend's statement.
§ Sir Godfrey NicholsonSpeaking as a member of the Select Committee on Estimates, may I express my appreciation of the receptive attitude of the Treasury and ask my hon. Friend whether the Committee of Inquiry will be willing to receive evidence from Members of Parliament or outside persons which may bear upon its inquiries?
§ Mr. SimonI think I would prefer to draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the observations of my hon. Friend, and perhaps he will be able to deal with the matter when he makes a statement.