HC Deb 12 June 1902 vol 109 cc499-500
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the general inquiry into the war and the publication of the results of inquiries into surrenders, whether he will state what form of inquiry, and what date of publication recommend themselves to His Majesty's Government.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

The Government are pledged to a general inqury into the war, if it is is desired, and they recognise that there is a desire for such an inquiry. They think the best form that such an inquiry could take would be by a small Royal Commission.

MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)

Will a special inquiry be held into the meat contract for South Africa?

MR. BRODRICK

I do not think it would be desirable to proceed with a general inquiry and a series of special inquiries.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

Can the right hon. Gentleman name a time when the appointment of the Commission will be proposed?

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir, it is not possible now to mention any date.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

Will the proposed Commission be an open or a secret inquiry?

MR. BRODRICK

That is a matter which must have careful consideration. In all probability there will be some parts of the inquiry which will have to be conducted in private.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

Are we to understand that by this Royal Commission there "ill be a universal inquiry into all subjects, including military questions, such as the surrenders? Will the same Commission inquire into questions, say, of discipline, as well as such other questions as contracts?

MR. BRODRICK

I am not prepared at this moment to give the terms of the reference, but they will, no doubt, be of a general character.

MR. WHITLEY (Halifax)

Will there be any opportunity of considering whether a Royal Commission or a Committee of the House would be bettor for the purpose of the inquiry? I would also ask whether the inquiry would not be better if it were sub-divided. This would be better than a roving inquiry over the whole field.

[No answer was given.]