§ Mr. BENNETTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give an estimate of the total expenditure which will be incurred as a result of the Government Bills passed and which it is intended to pass this Session, giving in each instance the name of the Bill and the estimated amount?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe following statement shows the estimated actual or contingent charges on the State arising under Bills which have been passed in the present Session and by Bills at present before Parliament in the event of their being passed. The particulars of estimated expenditure and contingent liabilities have been extracted from the White Paper circulated in connection with the Financial Resolutions of the Bills in question:
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Act or Bill. Nature of Expenditure. Amount of Expenditure. DIRECT BUDGET CHARGES. Criminal Appeal (Scotland) Taking of shorthand notes at all trials on indictment in which appeal may be taken. £1,000 a year. Housing (Rural Workers) Contributions to expenses of local authorities in reconstructing or improving existing houses or other buildings for the purpose of providing dwellings for agricultural workers and persons of similar economic condition. £60,000 a year Judicial Committee Salaries of two additional members of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. £4,000 a year (reduced to £3,200 a year when the present holder of an allowance of £800 a year retires). Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods). Fees or other remuneration to members of two small Standing Committees. Inconsiderable. Small Holdings and Allotments. Contributions towards the loss which may be incurred by County Councils or the Councils of County Boroughs in the provision of small holdings. £150,000 a year. University of London Expenses of Commissioners to frame statutes. £2,000 a year. Economy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Second Schedule. The rates of Exchequer contributions during the Extended Period in respect of Exempt parsons after 1st January, 1928, were fixed somewhat higher than those authorised by the Unemployment Insurance Act 1925. £28,000 a year. NOTE.—The estimated financial effect of those clauses of the Bill for which estimates could be given was a gain to the Excheqnerin 1926–27 of from £8,310,000 to £10,160,000, and in 1927–28 of from £7,030,000 to £8,880,000). CONTINGENT LIABILITIES. Trade Facilities Guarantee of principal and interest of 1 ans not exceeding £10,000,000 (of which £5,000,000 was the estimated unused balance of sums provided under previous Acts). — Unemployment Insurance (Northern Ireland Agreement). Equalisation payments to secure parity of the Unemployment Funds of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. £680,000 for the period from 30th September, 1925, to 31st March, 1926, £875,000 for the year euding 31st March, 1927. Electricity Supply Guarantee of the principal and interest of such capital within a limit of £33,500,000 as may be raised by the Central Electricity Board. — Palestine and East Africa Loans (Guarantee). Guarantee of principal and interest of a loan not exceeding £4,500,000 to be raised by the Government of Palestine (of which £1,000,000 for the purchase of railway and other capital assets from His Majesty's Government) and of loans not exceeding £10,000,000 to be raised by the Governments of Kenya, Uganda, Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland or Tanganyika. —