HC Deb 12 July 1917 vol 95 cc2108-10
59. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Commissions on Mesopotamia and Gallipoli have disclosed avoidable sacrifice of life through incompetent generalship, steps will be taken to secure a similar inquiry into the operations on the Western front since the 1st July last in view of the casualties they have entailed?

Sir H. CRAIK

May I ask your ruling, Sir, whether a question of this sort is in the public interest?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not for me to say whether a question is in the public interest. I should have to rule a good many out.

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is it not more important to inquire into the cause of casualties of hundreds of thousands than into the casualties of tens of thousands?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It may be more important, but as far as we can judge there will be no advantage from any point of view in the course suggested.

60. Mr. OUTHWAITE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the action of the French Chamber of Deputies in calling upon Ministers to account for the casualties suffered in the offensive of April last and to the assurance secured that the lives of French soldiers will be safeguarded; and will he take steps to enable the House of Commons to exercise a similar control over the high command in the matter of what is officially termed wastage?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not consider that such action as is proposed in the question is either necessary or desirable.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that similar action to that taken by the Chamber of Deputies would be likely to create the impression that French lives are more precious than British lives?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know what action was taken in the French Parliament as it was in secret session, but I believe this House, as well as the country, considers that the Higher Command is as anxious to save the lives of our soldiers as anyone else.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the Report made public by the Minister for War in the French Chamber of Deputies in which he constantly referred to the question of preventing the sacrifice of soldiers' lives?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Why should he not? My view is—and I think the House will share it—that the moment the House considers a Commander-in-Chief does not put that as one of his first duties he ought to be removed.