HC Deb 21 April 1904 vol 133 cc854-5
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he continues to entertain the intention to propose a Vote for the Secret try or Staff of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet for which the First Lord of the Treasury is to answer and on which matters concerning both Army and Navy may be discussed; and, if so, when he expects to be able to give notice of such a Vote.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.

Yes, Sir, I hope there will be an Estimate put down on this subject to enable a discussion to take place, but I cannot at present inform the right hon. Baronet when the date will be.

SIR JOHN COLOMB (Great Yarmouth)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the formation of the small secretariat for the Defence Committee, as recommended in Part I. of the War Office (Reconstitution) Committee's Report and further referred to in the covering letter of Part III. in the statement that Part I. contained the principles of the changes advocated, and that the whole of these, with the exception of the formation of the small secretariat for the Defence Committee, had already become operative.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think I have already by implication answered this Question. It is proposed there shall be a small permanent secretariat.