§ [ADJOURNED DEBATE.]
§ Order of the Day for Adjourned Debate on Motion for Appointment of Select Committee [5th April].
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) Strand, Westminster)I wish to say a word respecting this Order. The Government were appealed to last Session to grant an inquiry into the expenditure upon the Army and Navy, and they readily consented to do so. From a very early date in the Session a Motion has been on the Paper for the appointment of a Select Committee, and it has all along been opposed. It is not, of course, possible 1937 for the Government to bring on a Motion of the kind at a time when it could be discussed. If, therefore, it is not the wish of the House that the Committee should be appointed, the Government must how to the decision of the House; although we are most anxious that the Committee should investigate the expenditure on the Army and Navy. We must leave the matter in the hands of the House. The Motion will remain on the Paper; but, unless the block is withdrawn, it will be impossible to bring it forward.
§ MR. CHILDERS (Edinburgh, S.)If I may do so, I will strongly endorse what the right hon. Gentleman has said. Both sides of the House agreed, some time ago, that this inquiry should be made. There was a universal understanding, two or three Sessions ago, that this Committee should be appointed, and I do trust that hon. Gentlemen will withdraw their objections to the Motion coming on at any time of the night, and so allow this important inquiry to take place.
§ Adjourned Debate further adjourned till Thursday.