HC Deb 03 April 1919 vol 114 cc1384-5
85. Mr. RAPER

asked the Under Secretary of State to the Air Ministry when he will give a definite reply as to whether or not he will appoint a small but permanent Committee, composed of two or three hon. Members of this House and two or three gentlemen outside the House who have a knowledge of commercial organisation, to assist the Air Ministry authorities in finance and business matters generally; and whether such a Committee is specially desirable during the present reorganisation of the Air Ministry and in view of the admitted defective accounting in the past?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on the 3ist ultimo.

Mr. RAPER

Are we to understand that a Committee does actually exist? Can we have the names of the members?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir, that is not to be deduced from my answer. But there are certain competent men who are associated in an important way with the work of the Air Ministry.

Lieutenant-Colonel MALONE

Can their names be supplied?

Mr. CHURCHILL

They are men from the Army Council who are associated with the Air Ministry in an advisory capacity.

Mr. RAPER

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of appointing a Committee such as I have suggested?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I will, indeed.