§ 51. Mr. Charles A Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in regard to increases in charges, fees, etc., for which Government Departments are responsible; to what extent such in- 150W creases are required to be limited to 2½ per cent.; and what authority is required to sanction an increase beyond 2½ per cent.
§ Mr. BrookeThe general principle is that Government Departments should normally charge at least the full cost of all services provided. Exceptions are sometimes made to this rule, notably where it seems appropriate for the service to be financed by the taxpayer rather than by the user of the service. The implication of the general principle is of course that, if costs rise, charges and fees should rise correspondingly.