§ 59. Sir GEORGE YOUNGERasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Public Accounts Committee published on 26th August last, to the evidence taken before that Committee, published on 10th October, and also to the letter of Sir John Jackson, dated 10th October, addressed to the Financial Secretary to the War Office, asking for a judicial inquiry into the criticisms against his firm contained in the above Report; and whether he will state what steps he intends to take in the matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, Sir, I think the hon. Member for Devonport is entitled to the inquiry for which he asks, but the Government must take time to consider the constitution of the inquiry.
§ Sir E. CARSONIs it the custom to publish these reports in certain charges against individuals without ever giving them a chance of being heard?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROf course, I have no responsibility whatever for the Public Accounts Committee. The right hon. Gentleman should address his question to the Chairman of the Committee. I do not like to pass any judgment of my own upon them.