Captain COOPERasked the Prime Minister what use he proposes to make of Lord Kitchener's military knowledge and experience; and whether he is at present performing any military duties?
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER - LAMPSONasked the Prime Minister whether, in consideration of the personal qualifications of Lord Kitchener, he will reconsider his decision not to invite him to become a Member of the Committee of Imperial Defence?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLord Kitchener is at present performing no military duties, nor have I any reason to think that he desires to undertake fresh military duties at the present time. It is contrary to usage, and, in my opinion, highly undesirable, to express any opinion as to the qualifications and claims of particular officers for particular posts in the service of the State.
Captain COOPERMay I ask the Prime Minister if he does not think it would be in the public interest for Lord Kitchener to perform military duties?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEAre we to understand that Lord Kitchener would be an eligible Member of the Committee if he were in Malta, but not eligible when he is at home in England?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo.