HC Deb 08 June 1904 vol 135 cc1079-80
MR. SEYMOUR ORMSBY-GORE

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when it is proposed to take the Volunteer Vote.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot say, but I will give full notice of the Vote, as I cannot now fix a day for its discussion.

MR. SEYMOUR ORMSBY-GORE

Will it be subsequent to the Vote for the salary of the Secretary of State for War?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Yes, Sir; it will be.

MR. MCCRAE (Edinburgh, E.)

Will it be possible before the Vote comes on to make a statement with regard to the decision of the Government as to the Report of the Commission which has just concluded its sittings?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I think it probable that my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for War will make a very broad and general statement with regard to the military policy of the Government. Whether he will refer in detail to the recent Report of the Commission I cannot now say.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN (Stirling Burghs)

When the Secretary of State for War has made that broad and general statement, which I hope will also be a detailed and comprehensive statement, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to give the House time to digest it before being called upon to discuss it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I will consider whether some arrangement cannot be come to. I think it is a matter in which my right hon. friend near me will be able to make an arrangement satisfactory to the House.

SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I do not suggest that the Government should give a greater amount of time.