asked the Minister of Health whether he will furnish a Return of the cost of the Board of Control for the year 1922, including salaries, expenditure of office staff, and travelling expenses?

The total gross cost of the Board of Control for the financial year 1922–23 was approximately £470,236, less appropriations-in-aid (fees for licences, etc.) £7,756. The gross cost includes grants-in-aid to local authorities and voluntary institutions £408,791, cost of State institutions for mental defectives £26,795, salaries and expenses, etc., of head office staff £34,650.

Would not the work be carried out more economically, and with greater efficiency, if it were transferred to the right hon. Gentleman's own Ministry?

The control is attached to my Ministry now.