HC Deb 28 February 1917 vol 90 cc2025-6
50 and 51. Mr. BUXTON

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether any progress has been made in regard to the proposed inquiry into the question of establishing Parliamentary Committees on the general lines of the French system; whether the question will be referred, as he declared to be probable, to Parliament itself for decision; and (2) whether he will publish the Report or other material upon which it has been decided that the system of Parliamentary Committees prevailing in France is unsuitable to this country; and whether the Government is considering any other plan which would accomplish the desired results?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot add anything to what I stated in reply to a similar question by the hon. and gallant Member for Enfield on 15th February. The Report to which I referred was a confidential one, and it would not be advisable to publish it.

Mr. JOWETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister expressed the opinoin in this House that France has been saved by her Committee system?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The Prime Minister was favourably disposed towards a proposal of this kind; but on examination of it, and seeing exactly what it meant to Ministers, he and the Government came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to adopt it.

Mr. KEATING

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered what it means to the country, as well as to Ministers?

Sir C. HENRY

Was the decision arrived at by the Cabinet because the system would be an inconvenience to Ministers?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, not at all. It was due to an examination of the whole working of the system.