§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
This very short Bill is a measure to give formal authority to the billeting rates which have been in force since 1st December last. Early in December I announced that the billeting rates had been increased. The Army Orders carrying those rates into effect were laid upon the Table of the House at the earliest moment. The rates which are now current have been approved by this House in the Army (Annual) Act, which was passed a night or two ago, and the only object of this Bill is to give the formal authority of Parliament to billeting rates of which Parliament has tacitly approved already. I only introduce it in order that the formal authority of this House may be obtained. It is a very simple and formal measure, 741 and I hope that the House will allow me to take it through its various stages tonight.
§ Mr. KINGIt seems rather a curious thing to bring new billeting charges into force in December and then only obtain the permission of the House for them in the following March. Of course, in these days, we are very thankful that the permission of the House should be asked for anything. We are thankful for the observance, at any rate, of that amount of Parliamentary control, and, even if it is after the event, it is worth something. I hope, however, that this will not be done frequently, and I hope that this will not be a hardy annual, like the Army (Annual) Bill itself. With that remark I shall content myself. Having given a warning, I hope I shall never have to repeat it again.
§ Resolved, "That this House will immediately resolve itself into the Committee on the Bill."— [Mr. Forster.]
§ Bill accordingly considered in Committee, and reported without Amendment; read the third time, and passed.