§ Mr. REMERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the committees of inquiry into Government extravagance will have as part of their reference the policy of the Ministry which causes extravagance, particularly the continuance of control by the Ministry of Food in several directions which causes losses to the Government, waste of valuable food-stuffs, and needless jobs for unnecessary officials?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. The Committees are not to enquire into Government policy, but into the staff and organisation of certain departments. The terms of reference will be as follow
To examine either by way of test examination or otherwise as they may see fit, the staffing and methods of work of the Department, and to report what, if any, economies may be effected therein, having regard to the work which the Department is called upon to perform in the execution of the policy decided by the Government.