§ 48. Sir J. WALTONasked the Prime-Minister whether he can make any statement to the House, or will lay Reports upon the Table, as to the economies effected by the committees appointed to prevent wasteful expenditure at the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Ministry of Munitions?
Mr. SAMUELThese committees are effecting important economies in the Departments concerned, but I do not think it would be in the public interest to lay detailed reports of their activities.
§ Mr. ASHLEYShall we have a Paper giving the evidence laid before the committees and the decisions?
Mr. SAMUELNo, Sir. These are Cabinet Committees which are carefully-investigating these matters in a confidential fashion.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the House of Commons have no opportunity of learning about wasteful expenditure made during the War?
§ Sir J WALTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that these are Cabinet Committees? Surely they are composed, of people outside.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is not asking a question; he is arguing the matter.