HC Deb 21 March 1910 vol 15 cc767-8
Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

asked the Prime Minister if he can give the names of the present members of the Committee of Imperial Defence, and inform the House by whom the appointments are made to that Committee; whether all the appointments are made by the same authority and under the same conditions as to the retention of and retirement from membership of the Committee; can he state whether any, and, if so, what, allowances or salary is received by each member of the Committee for services thereon; and whether such allowances or salary is the same in the case of each member?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Committee of Imperial Defence is composed of the Prime Minister and such Members as he may nominate from time to time to assist him. The names of those who, for the time being, are regularly summoned by the Prime Minister to meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence are as follows:—

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies.

The Secretary of State for War.

The Secretary of State for India.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The First Lord of the Admiralty.

The First Sea Lord.

The Director of Naval Intelligence.

The Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

The Director of Military Operations.

Lord Esher.

General Sir John French.

Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher of Kilverstone.

Appointments to serve on the Committee are made by the sole authority of the Prime Minister. No allowance or salary is received by members for their services on the Committee.

Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

Are the appointments made under the same conditions as to retention and retirement of membership?

The PRIME MINISTER

They are all made at the discretion of the Prime Minister.