HC Deb 15 April 1918 vol 105 cc32-3
45. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether, in Royal Proclamations, the words "My Army" include also the Australian forces and those of all the other Dominions; whether this implies any limitation on the part of any Dominion of the power to raise or control its own armed force; whether the representatives of the Dominions have been expressly consulted on this point; and, if not, whether their opinion will be taken?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the remaining parts in the negative.

Mr. LYNCH

Do I understand that there is a clear cut out because Australia is supposed to be raising an army for the democracy to light for the King?

46. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister who is responsible for the advice to the King which causes Royal Proclamations at one time to speak of "My Army" and at another to use the phrase "The Army" under your command; whether the view of the War Cabinet is that the Royal Prerogative may be varied at pleasure; and whether, in regard to future Proclamations, he will advise the disuse of all such terms as "My Army, My Navy, or My Empire "?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The terms of such Proclamations are in common form and according to precedent.

Mr. LYNCH

Why are these Proclamations varied? Why, when the words "My Army" are used, are they varied? Is it in deference to popular opinion, and why does the right hon. Gentleman not say, "My National Debt"?