§ MR. NORMAN (Wolverhampton, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the reason why the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into War Office Organisation, signed on 9th May, did not reach members until 7th June.
§ MR. BRODRICKSome time was necessarily occupied in printing and indexing the evidence of this Committee, but no delay took place in publication. I would, in addition, remind the hon. Member that the Committee was a Departmental Committee appointed by myself, and I should in any case have required a reasonable time to consider the Report before publication.
§ MR. NORMANIs it not the fact that the members of the Committee expedited the Report in order that hon. Gentlemen might have it before the discussion of the right hon. Gentleman's resolution?
§ MR. BRODRICKIt only reached me two days before the discussion of my resolution. It was impossible for me to allow it to be published until I had considered it.
§ MR. NORMANwas proceeding to put another question when—
§ MR. SPEAKERsaid he must seek another opportunity of arguing the matter.