§ 45. Mr. LYNCHasked the Prime Minister whether, in Royal Proclamations, the words "My Army" include also the 33 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 LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the remaining parts in the negative.
§ Mr. LYNCHDo 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. LYNCHasked 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 LAWThe terms of such Proclamations are in common form and according to precedent.
§ Mr. LYNCHWhy 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"?