HC Deb 16 March 1905 vol 143 cc211-2
DR. MACNAMARA

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will give an early day for the discussion of the Report of the Public Accounts (1904) Committee and of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on South African War Expenditures, issued last Friday.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The hon. Gentleman asks two Questions. One relates to the Public Accounts Committee of last year. On that I do not think I can at present add to what have already stated. I should certainly yield at once, not only willingly but gladly, to a generally expressed wish of the House that the Report should be taken on one of the days allotted to Supply, but I do not exactly exclude the idea of taking it on an unallotted day; but it is quite impossible for me, until I see my way much more plainly with regard to general business, to give any pledge on the subject. With regard to the second half of the Question, in my opinion this matter of the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General is of a very serious character and requires to be thoroughly sifted. What the best method of sifting it is I do not at present say. The very last thing I desire is that the House should be excluded from any legitimate opportunity of probing the matter to the bottom.

MR. BLAKE (Longford, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the setting up of the Public Accounts Committee, to which reference has been made from the Treasury Bench as the proper tribunal to deal with this Report?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I do not think that properly falls within the functions of the Executive Government. In so far as I properly and legitimately can, I will do everything to meet the views of hon. Gentlemen.

MR. BLAKE

I would call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury has had a notice on the Paper for some time for the setting up of that Committee.

DR. MACNAMARA

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Public Accounts Committee on Army Appropriation did not report last year until after the House had risen. Will he therefore expedite the setting up of the Committee?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am afraid I am not fully informed of all the technicalities of the matter, but I will do all I can.