HC Deb 31 March 1887 vol 313 c85
MR. M'LAEEN (Cheshire, Crewe)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he proposes to have one or two Committees to examine the Army and Navy Estimates; of how many Members will such Committee or Committees consist; whether they will have power to call and examine witnesses from the Government Offices and elsewhere; whether, after the Committee or Committees have reported, the Estimates will still require to be submitted to the House and voted in the usual way; and, whether he will undertake that ample time shall be allowed for this important duty of the House?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

It is proposed, following the precedent of the former Committee, to refer both the Army and Navy Estimates to the same Committee, and that it should have the usual power of sending for persons, papers, and records. Now it standing the reference to the Committee, the Estimates must be voted in the usual way in Committee of the Whole House. When the House has agreed to the appointment of this Committee, the number and constitution of the Committee must be considered in consultation between the various Parties in the House.

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked how many Members there would be on the Committee?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I am not able to say absolutely; but I think it is proposed that the number should be 25.