§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy,&c.)asked, Whether any further opportunity would be given for discussion of the first, and most important, Army Vote, which had been passed at a late hour without discussion? He also wished to know when it was expected that the Select Committee on the Estimates would make its Report?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)The hon. Member must be aware that an engagement was entered into for the renewal of the general discussion on Army Votes upon the Vote for Clothing. I hope that the Select Committee on the Estimates will report their observations to the House at an early period.
§ MR. WOODALL (Hanley)asked, Whether the Army Estimates would be referred directly to the Committee, or laid upon the Table of the House?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI have had no opportunity of discussing this question with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War;but the intention of the Government was to carry out the undertaking given to the House, to refer the Estimates after the first Vote to the Committee for inquiry, and the Committee will report its observations to the House. It is not intended to proceed to the further Votes, unless any absolute necessity should occur, until the Committee has had the opportunity of reporting its decision. But, as the hon. Member knows, the necessities of the Public Service make it necessary sometimes to take a Vote on Account. 378 At all events, no time will be lost on the part of the Government.