§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that 1119 no opportunity will be given, on a specific Vote or otherwise, to discuss the composition or functions of the new Committee of Defence, he will consider the advisability of proposing an alteration in the Rules of this House which would make the discussion of Imperial Defence as a whole, and the relative needs of the two services, in order on the Army or Navy Estimates, or will provide some definite opportunity other than on the Budget when such discussion would be permissible.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.My hon. friend is no doubt aware that I have answered the most important parts of this Question a few days ago. Of course I am open to having questions put to me in the House as to the constitution of the Defence Committee, and I shall be glad to answer them to the best of my ability. But at present I do not think it would be advisable to devote one or two days of the session to a discussion of all the delicate international questions which must arise if we are to discuss strategy at large. I should be sorry to commit myself further at present.