§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGH (Maidstone)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether a visit was paid to British stations in the Mediterranean during 1906 by or on behalf of members of the Committee of Defence; if so, whether those who paid such visit set out with any definite instructions; whether he can give any information as to those instructions, if any; what was the expenditure incurred in connection with the visit; and upon what Estimates presented to Parliament has such expenditure been charged.
SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNEEMANThe Answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. A Committee was appointed by the Secretary of State for War with three representatives appointed by the Admiralty to visit the Mediterranean stations and to report whether any revision of the armaments was necessary to bring them into harmony with certain principles laid down by the Admiralty and approved by the Committee of Imperial Defence. It must be evident that instructions thus arising cannot be made public. As H.M.S. "Terrible" was proceeding to the East with relief crews, and as her captain was a member of the Committee, the Admiralty allowed the other members to proceed on board this ship.
§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGHCan the right hon. Gentleman say if the military authorities gave evidence before the Committee?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANasked for notice.
§ VISCOUNT CASTLEREAGHWas any definite authority given to the Committee to increase or decrease the expenditure on defence?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANPerhaps the noble Lord will put the Question down.