HC Deb 26 April 1901 vol 92 cc1458-9
MR. BARTLEY

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state when the Joint Committee appointed to consider the various charitable agencies relating to the widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors, the members of which were appointed on 27th March last, will meet to commence its duties.

MR. KEARLEY

Has not the Committee been moved from the other House and appointed?

MR. BRODRICK

This is a question which should be addressed to the First Lord of the Treasury.

MR. KEARLEY

As the First Lord has probably more knowledge than the right hon. Gentleman, I will ask him if the names have not been settled a long time in both Houses? Can he say when the Committee will meet to take evidence?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I believe the hon. Member is quite correct, and that the names have been agreed upon by both Houses. By the immemorial usage of Parliament, it rests with the House of Peers to determine when the Committee shall meet, and I do not know why the delay has occurred. But I will make it my business to find out.