HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 c268
56. Mr. ROCH

asked the Prime Minister if he will give the terms of the Order in Council which at present defines the powers and duties of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The terms of the Order in Council are as follow: The Chief of the Imperial General Staff shall, in addition to performing such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by the Secretary of State, be responsible for issuing the Orders of His Majesty's Government in regard to military operations.

Mr. ROCH

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me the date of that Order?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The first Order in Council was dated 27th January, 1916, and it was reaffirmed on 20th April, 1917.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Can the hon. Gentleman say who is Chief of Staff now?

Mr. HOGGE

Is there any truth in the rumours in the papers to-day that Sir William Robertson has been offered, and refused, the principal position in the Versailles Council?

Mr. BILLING

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this Order in Council has been affected by the meeting in London last Sunday of Sir Douglas Haig and the Prime Minister?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Sir Douglas Haig and the Prime Minister did not meet last Sunday in London.