HC Deb 25 May 1916 vol 82 c2286
46. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Prime Minister whether two Privy Councillors, Members of this House, have been summoned to attend before the Judicial Air Committee in order that the charges made by them in this House of the criminal neglect on the part of the Government in respect to the Air Service can be investigated; whether, following this precedent, he will now appoint a judicial munitions committee to report to this House whether the charges made by Members of this House that thousands of lives have been lost owing to His Majesty's Government having failed to order munitions early last year is true or untrue?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand the Committee have invited the two hon. Members referred to in the first part of the question. I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Why not?

The PRIME MINISTER

The two cases are not analogous.

Sir A MARKHAM

Is it not a fact that owing to a statement made by a new Member in this House the Prime Minister thought it necessary to set up a Judicial Committee, and why should the views of Privy Councillors and old Members of this House be ignored?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have said that the two cases are not analogous.

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