HC Deb 05 December 1912 vol 44 c2476

The following question was on the Paper but was not put in its order:—

Viscount WOLMER

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that last Saturday the First Lord of the Admiralty entertained to luncheon and tea in the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, a party of 130 friends, who arrived by special train from London, and that during the afternoon the party in various groups was conducted round the naval establishment by naval officers; and whether he will state if either the special train, the luncheon, or the tea was paid for out of public funds?

Mr. CHURCHILL

As this question is personal to myself, and as the Noble Lord has it on the Paper, I shall be glad to answer it.

Lord BALCARRES

May I, on behalf of my Noble Friend, put the question?

Mr. CHURCHILL

One hundred and thirty officers and men from the Henley and Woodstock squadrons of the Oxfordshire Yeomanry, one of which I command, were entertained, as stated in the question, at the Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, on Saturday last, and were shown round the dockyard. The expense of their entertainment was defrayed by me, with the exception of the special train. This was subscribed for by the men themselves. No charge of any kind fell upon public funds; and I am surprised that the Noble Lord should have made such a suggestion.