§ Mr. ASQUITHI should like to know if the Chancellor of the Exchequer can tell us whether we may expect to-morrow from the Prime Minister a statement in explanation of the communication which appears in the Press to-day on the changes in the General Staff; and, if so, whether there will be an opportunity for immediate discussion in the House thereupon?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sorry to say my right hon. Friend is suffering from a very severe chill, but I have spoken to him this morning by telephone, and he hopes to be able to be in the House and to make his statement to-morrow. The opportunity is suitable in a way, as it is that you, Sir, leave the Chair on the Array Estimates. It will give an opportunity for discussion, but if it is desired that there should be an opportunity for a vote, the Government will, of course, be willing to meet the wishes of the House in that matter.
Sir H. DALZIELMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether there is any foundation for the rumour that Sir William Robertson has been offered and has accepted a very important military post?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes; it is a fact that Sir W. Robertson has accepted the command of the Eastern Division, which was offered him to-day.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHave you given him a. rise in salary for that?
§ Mr. TENNANTArising out of what the Chancellor of the Exchequer has just said, may we assume the Prime Minister 475 will be the first to address the House, and that we shall not begin the Army Estimates in the usual way?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite understand that will be the course desired by the House.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the statement of the right hon. Gentleman, is the House to understand that Sir W. Robinson did resign, or was dismissed, because, according to his statement in the daily Press, he did not resign?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere is really no mystery about that, and I think it is a pity to anticipate the discussion.