: On a point or order, in previous years when we had to take Estimates in this rushed fashion very often there was considerable criticism and debate about why it was wrong to do this. May we have an assurance that a token Estimate will be introduced so that a debate may take place later in the year?
Vote 47: Army Pensions .
Question:
That a sum not exceeding £14,282,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December 1978, for retired pay, pensions, compensation, allowances and gratuities payable under sundry statutes to or in respect of members of the Defence Forces and certain other Military Organisations, etc., and for sundry contributions and expenses in connection therewith; for certain extra-statutory children's allowances and for sundry grants.
—put and agreed to.
: That is not a point of order. The Chair has no jurisdiction over whether a token Estimate will be introduced.
: Is the Minister for Finance in a position to say what is the intention of the Government in this regard?
: May I say in a preliminary way, as Deputy Clinton did, that a great deal more time was devoted to Estimates in the past year than in recent years.
: There was no legislation.
: That is a story by Deputy Kelly, but he tries to have it both ways. What I have stated is a fact. I understand the practice is, and it is intended to continue it, that in any case where Estimates have been passed either without debate or with very little debate, if a request is made by the Opposition for a full debate the Government will agree to this on the basis of a token Estimate.