§ 33. Commander BELLAIRSasked what is the substitute for the Defence Committee which ceased to exist during the War; and on what Vote the working of this organisation can be debated so as to ensure the discussion of the co-ordination of the three fighting services with each other and with Foreign policy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the Question is that the Committee of Imperial Defence did not cease to exist during the War. After its last meeting in 1915 its work was absorbed 1288 first in that of the War Council, then the War Committee, and, later, the War Cabinet; and since the conclusion of hostilities there has been no occasion to call a meeting of the Committee, although certain of its Sub-Committees have met from time to time, and are still doing so, for the consideration of questions affecting the fighting and other Departments. The working of the organisation can be debated as heretofore on the Treasury Vote for the Committee of Imperial Defence.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill that Vote be given in the discussion this year?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat does not depend upon the Government.