§ Mr. GRETTONasked the Prime Minister if he can yet state what will be the scope of the inquiry to be made by the Sub-Committee of the Committee of National Defence; and if, in view of comparatively recent changes, that inquiry will include the present organisation of the Board of Admiralty and the distribution of business amongst its members.
§ Mr. HALDANEThe answer to the first paragraph is that the inquiry will cover all the points as to the readiness for war during the last two years of the fleets in home waters raised by Lord Charles Beresford in his letter to the Prime Minister. It would not conduce to the objects of the inquiry or be in the public interest to announce at this stage the precise terms of the reference. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative.
§ Mr. GRETTONasked the Prime Minister if he will give the names of the members of the present Committee of National Defence?
§ Mr. HALDANE (who replied)I will circulate the names with the Votes and Proceedings.
§ Mr. GRETTONWill that be done today?
§ Mr. HALDANEIt will be done without delay. [See Written Answers this date.]