HC Deb 19 March 1906 vol 154 cc175-6

Ordered, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to provide, during twelve months, for the Discipline and Regulation of the Army; and that Mr. Secretary Haldane, Mr. Edmund Robertson, and Mr. Buchanan, do prepare and bring it in.

MR. WYNDHAM

moved the adjournment of the House. They had been discussing Vote 1 of the Army and it was generally understood that there was to be a general discussion covering the whole Army policy of the Government. When such an understanding was arrived at, it was in order that all Members should have an opportunity of expressing their views on Army policy as a whole. Of course opinions would differ as to the time which was necessary to cover so large a field, but about this there was no misunderstanding, that it was clearly understood that after they had to the best of their ability assisted the Committee by giving their views on the military policy of the country as a whole, then they should take the Report stage of the Votes for the Navy. Some of his right hon. friends were responsible for the Navy Estimates, and the Opposition had no occasion to criticise the Naval policy of the present Government. Having enjoyed as far as was permitted them the opportunity of reviewing the military policy of the Government, they thought the House ought now to adjourn.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn." —(Mr. Wyndham.)

MR. HALDANE

said that the only question in which discussion was interrupted was the Militia and that would come up again on the Militia Vote. He was very sorry that right hon. Gentlemen opposite should feel aggrieved. The right hon. Gentleman was very good in meeting the Government in the mode in which the discussion was taken, and he was quite prepared to assent to the adjournment of the House on condition of his being permitted to introduce the Army Annual Bill. It was merely a matter of form.

MR. WYNDHAM

said he would consent to that course, it being understood that the adjournment would not be opposed, and that the introduction of the Army Annual Bill was merely formal.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.