HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 92 cc596-8
57. General IVOR PHILIPPS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government is aware that there is a general desire in this House and in the country for an inquiry into the organisation and methods of the Central Prisoners of War Committee; and what steps he proposes to take to set up a Select Committee of this House, or a Joint Select Committee of both Houses of Parliament, to inquire into the matter?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the House is aware, an informal but representative Joint Committee of both Houses is about to undertake an inquiry into this subject. Under the circumstances, I do not think it advisable to move for the appointment of a Select Committee, but I shall be prepared to reconsider the matter if the informal Committee find that they are unable to conduct their inquiry efficiently for lack of the necessary powers.

General PHILIPPS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at a meeting of members interested in this subject a resolution was passed in favour of a Select Committee with only one dissentient?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes; but I am not sure that the other proposal was not before it. In any case, this has been adopted, and I think we must see how it works.

General PHILIPPS

Will the right hon. Gentleman secure the co-operation of the War Office, the Foreign Office, and the Post Office, and for the payment of expenses?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I will consider that.

Mr. LOUGH

Will this Committee have any power to summon witnesses before it and take any steps necessary?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Obviously that is the point of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. I have already said that I hoped there would be no difficulty on that score. If difficulty is found we will reconsider the constitution of the Committee.

Mr. BIRD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of the Committee appointed?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

The Committee will be constituted as follows:

  • Lord MacDonnell.
  • The hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Bentham).
  • The hon. Member for North Mayo (Mr. Daniel Boyle).
  • Lord Muir-Mackenzie.
  • The hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Mr. Fell).
  • The hon. Member for East Leeds (Mr. O'Grady).
  • Lord Gainford.

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