§ MR. J. F. HOPE (Sheffield, Brightside)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will consent to the appointment of a Select Committee to consider the bearing of the existing financial system of the country on efficient warlike preparation in times of crisis, and to 83 report whether, by the establishment of a money reserve or otherwise, any changes in that system are desirable.
§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)I have considered the question to which my hon. friend called my attention before the recess. I think I can convince him that nothing could be gained by the appointment of the Committee which he suggests. Perhaps my hon. friend will communicate with me, and if he is not satisfied with my answer privately he can then put another Question publicly.