46. Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the public concern with regard to the state of our national finances, he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee composed exclusively of men eminent in business and financial circles, to make an independent and searching inquiry into the financial situation, and report as to what economies can be effected in national expenditure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Government are not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the question.
Captain TUDOR-REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the evi- 637 dente of some independent committee, such as is suggested in the question, would conduce to allaying public anxiety?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, I do not think so.
51. Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Prime Minister who are the members of the special independent committees appointed to carry out test investigations in public Departments; and whether they have yet recommended, and, if so, what, economies as a result of their inquiries?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am not at present able to announce the constitution of the Committee, as answers have not yet been received from many of the Gentlemen who have been invited to serve.