HC Deb 07 March 1966 vol 725 c1696
18. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources whether, in view of the abandonment of this Session's Land Commission Bill, and in order not to incur nugatory expenditure for which he has no Parliamentary authority, he will suspend preparations for the setting up of a Land Commission.

Mr. Willey

No, Sir.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

In view of the abandonment of this Bill, can the right hon. Gentleman say what statutory authority there is for this expenditure?

Mr. Willey

Yes. It is provided for in the Appropriation Bill which will shortly, I imagine receive Parliamentary approval.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Surely it is without precedent when expenditure has been started under a Bill which has subsequently been abandoned simply to seek authority under the Appropriation Bill? Can the right hon. Gentleman cite any precedent for this?

Mr. Willey

Of course. Meanwhile it is covered by the Estimates.