HC Deb 03 April 1917 vol 92 cc1126-7
General IVOR PHILIPPS

(by Private Notice) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the informal Committee of Members of both Houses of Parliament set up to inquire into the organisation and methods of the Central Prisoners of War Committee will have power to take evidence on oath if necessary, and whether witnesses summoned to give evidence before such Committee will be protected against any evil effects from their fulfil-ing their duty under the Witnesses (Public Inquiries) Act, 1892, and whether the Sessional Orders of the House dealing with such matters will operate in the case of this Committee, and whether the members of the Committee will have the protection and the privilege of this House in conducting their inquiries and in making their Report?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think that I can usefully add anything to what I said in reply to the hon. and gallant Member on Thursday last.

General PHILIPPS

If the Noble Lord the Chairman of the Committee makes representations to my right hon. Friend, will he undertake to give them careful consideration?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have already said that if we find that this Committee cannot do what it was set up to do we shall certainly reconsider the question.