HC Deb 15 February 1917 vol 90 c794
48. Major NEWMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether, in accordance with his promise to the House on the occasion of his statement of Government policy, the Government has considered the setting up of Parliamentary Committees before which Ministers of Departments can appear and state facts and give answers which it might be undesirable to make public, or is he prepared to allow Parliament to decide on this policy for itself; and, if so, will he give an early day to debate the proposal?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The whole question was most carefully considered by the Government during the Recess, and a thorough inquiry was instituted into the working of the system in France. As the result of this examination, we have come to the conclusion that it would be very undesirable to make the change suggested.