§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for War a question of which I have not given notice, and which I will postpone if necessary—namely, whether, in view of the communication which appears in The Times of to-day, and in justice to all concerned, especially to certain War Office officials whose conduct has been impugned, the right hon. Gentleman will put down for one day next week a special Army Vote in order to bring to a definite issue the questions that have arisen in connection with the cordite patents?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not know how the communication to which the hon. Member refers affects the matter; but I recognise the 1362 importance of the general question, and I shall be very glad, if possible, to give an opportunity for discussing it. I am, however, at a loss to know upon what Vote the question can be raised, seeing that the Stores Vote has been passed. I will see what arrangements can be made when the Arm)' Estimates come on.
§ MR. HANBURYOne does not like to have charges of this kind hanging over one's head. Could not the right hon. Gentleman spare us half a day next week?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI cannot say what will be the arrangement of Public Business for next week.
MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)Is it intended to take the Army Estimates before the Civil Service Estimates?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI cannot say.
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI should like to have notice of that question.