HC Deb 19 May 1914 vol 62 cc1766-7
52. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

asked the Prime Minister whether the fact that the right hon. senior Member for the City of London, a former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons to the present Administration, is a member of the Committee of Imperial Defence is in accordance with constitutional usage; and whether there is any and, if so, what precedent for the presence of a leading member of the Opposition at a council for discussion and deliberation on matters vitally affecting the interests of the Empire?

The PRIME MINISTER

The hon. and learned Member is under a misconception. The right hon. Gentleman referred to is not a member of the Committee of Imperial Defence. I invited him last year, and I am glad to say he consented to take part in a special inquiry by a Sub-Committee, which has now terminated, and in which his expert knowledge and judgment have proved to be of great value.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question was asked owing to a question being put on the Notice Paper as to whether the late Secretary of State for War is still a member of the Committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am not prepared to go into the motives of the hon. Member.