The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. T. THOMSON
To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can see his way to publish the four Reports submitted by the Committees set up to consider the staffing of Government Departments in time for the Debate in the House which the Government has promised on the question of public expenditure.
Mr. THOMSONI have been asked to postpone this question. In doing so I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can make representations to the Leader of the House to see that the Debate promised on public expenditure shall not take place until the House is in possession of the facts given in those four Reports?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI will draw my right hon. Friend's attention to that suggestion. I think the hon. Gentleman knows why I asked him to postpone his question. I am unable at this moment to communicate with the Minister of Munitions, who is on the sea, but I will take the opportunity of doing so at the earliest possible moment when he lands.
§ Mr. LAMBERTDoes the right hon. Gentleman not propose to publish the Reports until the Minister of Munitions 1441 returns, and in that case will there be time for discussion this Session?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not propose to decide the publication of these Reports of Departmental Committees until I have been able to consult with all the Ministers of the Departments concerned.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWhat is the objection—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question has been postponed, and yet hon. Members are putting a number of supplementary question. This approaches "the limit."