§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he intends to lay before the House a Memorandum showing how far the recommendations of the Esher Committee have been adopted; and whether opportunity will be afforded of discussing that or a similar statement.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe recommendations of the Esher Committee for the creation of an Army Council with an establishment of directors and other departmental officers have been adopted, and all steps necessary to giving effect to the reorganisation consequent thereon have been taken. The recommendations of the Committee for the rearrangement of the military commands and administrative districts within the United Kingdom, and the devolution of work to those commands, are being examined by a Committee which will shortly Report to the Army Council. I take it there will shortly be an opportunity for discussing the subject on the War Office Vote.
§ MR. CHARLES HOBHOUSEWill some reasoned statement be made for the guidance of the Committee, so that we may know exactly what recommendations have been adopted.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am quite prepared to consult with my right hon. friend as to that. At first sight it would appear, however, to be an unusual and inconvenient proceeding. I think the explanation will be found in the Papers already in the hands of hon. Members. Still, I will leave the matter in the hands of my right hon. friend.
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)Is the righthon. Gentleman satisfied that the recommendations of the Committee can be properly discussed under the Vote for the War Office.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have not consulted the authorities of the House on the point. I have merely thrown out the suggestion that the question could properly be raised on the War Office Vote.