In the course of Tuesday's debate Mr. E. Cecil raised
the question of national expenditure. He pointed out that, whereas in the last financial year under a Unionist Govern-.
ment the total expenditure was 2150,413,245, this year it is estimated at 2181,284,000—an increase of 230,870,755. And to this might be added 23,525,720, the amount by which the new Sinking Fund had been raided. The Civil Service expenditure for 1905-6 was 228,430,000, and for 1911-12 it was 234,373,000, in addition to the new charges of 212,415,000 for old-age pensions, 250,000 for national insurance, and 2250,000 for payment of members. Mr. Maaterman, reply- ing for the Government, pointed out that the first item of the increase was that of 24,800,000 upon the Navy. There was an increase of 23,000,000 on education, due to growth of population. Could objection be taken to such items as these? Mr. Masterman further remarked that old-age pensions, which accounted for so large a part of the increase, had been pro- mised by the party that now criticised the Government. Mr. Cecil's motion was rejected on a division by 231 votes to 187 —a majority of 44.
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