IN BRITAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1642, 20 May 1919, Page 4

IN BRITAIN.

WAR EXPENDITURE. By Cable — Ftiss Association — VoTiyriaht. Australian and S.Z. Cable Asstciation. (Rcc. May 20, 9.55) LONDON. May 12. The Auditor-General's report on the Ministry of Munitions expenditure during 1917-18, shows thai heavy expenditure was often incurred without the Treasury sanction. There were large losses through altering and cancelling contracts for which extravagant compensation was paid. In some cases the cancellation caused no real loss, but compensation was paid. A quarter of a million was spent in equipping a factory to produce certain poison gas before it was decided to manufacture it. It was eventually decided not to employ it. A sum of £260,000 was spent on camps to accommodate miners. .The number was never more than 34!), and dropped in six months to 96Some of the camps were eventuallv empty. In one case a firm received a £1,000,000 contract without investigation, although Hie firm, in previous contracts, had notoriously made huge profits and charged excessive prices. THE, FINANCE BILL. Australian and XJS. Cable Association. (Rcc. May 20, 9.55) LONDON, M»y 12. The Labour Party has decided to move the rejection of the second reading of the Finance Bill protesting against its proposals and the continuance of the taxation of necessities while direct taxation of wealthy commercial undertakings is reduced.