HC Deb 15 March 1917 vol 91 cc1265-6
52. Mr. CECIL HARMSWORTH

asked the Prime Minister whether, when naval and military officers are summoned in an advisory capacity to meetings of the War Cabinet, their opinions on matters of naval and military policy are now explicitly and exhaustively ascertained; and whether officers of junior rank attending such conferences arte regarded as entitled to express their independent opinions in the presence of their superiors in official rank?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, it has been found necessary on occasion for witnesses or experts to attend meetings of the War Cabinet, when statements of fact or expressions of opinion have been asked for and obtained from them.

Mr. BILLING

May I ask whether members of the Air Service have been called upon?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Many times.