DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9789, 12 October 1917, Page 5

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE

£2,200,000 A MONTH COMMISSION OF CONTROL TO BE SET UP. Now that tho expenditure on the war had reached the enormous total of £2,200,000 a month, asked Mr C. J. Parr, M.P. for Edeu, in the House of Representatives yesterday, could the Prime Minister tell tho House when they would have an opportunity of considering that aspect of matters; or was Cabinet prepared to consider during the roce«3 the setting up of a Board of Control over that huge expenditure? Mr Massey: “If it wore possible for a Parliamentary Committee to deal with tho matter between now and the end of the session ” Mr G. Witty: “When will that he?” Mr Massey: “That depends upon members themselves.” (Laughter.) Mr Witty: “It appears to be getting further away than ever.” (Laughter.) Mr Massey; “So it seems to me. (Laughter.) Saturday fortnight, perhaps. But 1 am not quite certain. .Nobody is certain. (Laughter.) ' If it were possible for a Parliamentary Committee to deal with tho matter, the Government, would b« very glad to set up, a committee, but I doubt whether it is possible for a Parliamentary Committee at this period of tho session to do justice to the very important questions that will be raised. Tho Government, however, is sotting up a commission to go into the whole question of defence expenditure. The matter will be dealt with before the session comes to an end.” (Hear, hear.)