§ MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, by Clause 1 of the Army Council Bill now before Parliament, it is intended to transfer to the Army Council the power now exerciseable by the Secretary of State alone of authorising the accounting officer of his Department in writing to charge against Army Votes payments which that officer believes to be unauthorised or improper.
§ MR. HALDANEThe hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that this is one of the statutory powers dealt with in the Army Council Bill. The particular power in question is exerciseable by the Secretary of State as supreme chief of his Department by virtue of a Treasury Minute, and this business the Secretary of State reserves to himself under the Order in Council.