HC Deb 07 March 1918 vol 103 c2118
47. Major DAVIES

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the additional powers now conferred upon the Secretary of State for War by Order in Council, he will consider the advisability of making arrangements under which the Secretary of State for War should be directly responsible to the House of Commons and should also be a Member of that House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject.

Major DAVIES

Will the House of Commons not have the opportunity of deciding on the representation of the War Office in this House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I can only give the same answer as I gave before, that in my opinion it would be going unduly far for the Government to say that these high officers must all be Members of this House.

Colonel LOWTHER

As Lord Derby enjoys in a marked degree the confidence of all classes, and is serving the best interests of the nation, would it

Mr. SPEAKER

That is raising a general question which is not relevant to the question on the Paper.