§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)I beg to ask the First 1047 Lord of the Treasury, in view of the rule that general questions connected with the Army and Navy can only be discussed on Vote A or Vote 1, and that there is a necessity that these Votes must be taken before 31st March, and in view that His Majesty, in his Speech at the opening of the session, announced that measures would be submitted to the judgment of Parliament for increasing the efficiency of the military forces of the country, whether any arrangement can be made by which the law may be complied with, and the number of men and provision for pay may be voted before the commencement of the financial year, and an opportunity afforded to consider in fuller detail the proposals of the Government.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.It is true, of course, that these Votes must be got before 31st March. I hope there will be an opportunity before that date of having a good discussion upon the large issues involved. It would be also possible, of course, on later Votes to deal with some of the important questions to be raised this afternoon by my right hon. friend. If those opportunities prove really insufficient we shall have to consider what course to pursue.