§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Lord Esher occupies any official position at the War Office, or has any authority there; and, if so, what is his position and whence is his authority derived.
§ MR. HALDANELord Esher occupies no official position at the War Office nor does he exercise any authority there. The misapprehension into which the hon. Member has fallen is probably founded on the fact that Lord Esher is a member of the Defence Committee, but this is a body quite distinct from the War Office.
§ MR. BOWLESIs it suggested that Lord Esher, in his capacity as a member of the Defence Committee, has a right of access to confidential War Office and Admiralty documents?
§ MR. HALDANEAs a member of the Defence Committee no doubt certain confidential War Office and Admiralty documents are submitted to Lord Esher, as they are submitted to other members of the Defence Committee.
§ Sir GILBERT PARKER (Gravesend)asked whether Lord Esher had a voice in the appointments made by the War Office.
§ MR. HALDANENo, Sir.
§ Sir GILBERT PARKERNone whatever?
§ MR. HALDANENone.
SIR ROBERT HOBAET (Hampshire, New Forest)asked whether the important 1488 and unique national services which Lord Esher had rendered to the Army and the Admiralty would be adequately rewarded.
§ MR. HALDANEIn my opinion Lord Esher has rendered to the Imperial services greater benefits than the public yet fully appreciate. I wish I could hold out any hope that they will be adequately rewarded.