§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSE (Bristol, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether the Royal Commission on the War has completed taking evidence: and whether he will inquire when their Report may be expected.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.; I have been asked by my right hon. friend to answer this question. The Secretary to the Royal Commission informs me that they have practically completed the evidence; but it is impossible to say when the Report, on which they are now engaged, may be expected.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEMight not the Royal Commission be informed of the desirability of publishing their Report before the termination of this Session.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI think it is extremely probable that they will publish their Report before the end of the session. I am sure they will make all the expedition they can. But it would be improper and inexpedient to give them the idea that this House was hurrying them on a matter so important.