HC Deb 12 April 1875 vol 223 cc722-3
MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Departmental Committee which, when moving the Estimates, he informed the House that he had appointed to consider the questions of recruiting, reserves, and desertions has yet reported; and, if so, whether the Report will be presented to Parliament and circulated before the 20th instant, for which day notice has been given of a Motion on the subject of recruiting?

MR. GATHORNE HARDY

Sir, the Committee I spoke of was a Departmental Committee, and not, therefore, one of a public character. It has reported to me, but its opinion is confidential. When I have get the appendices to that Report, I shall look through them to see if there be any new facts which I can state to the House; but I should not consider it consistent with my duty to bring the confidential Re-ports of my Department before the House.