HC Deb 13 February 1922 vol 150 cc614-5
Sir T. POLSON (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been drawn to the statement in the Press issued by the Board of Admiralty dealing with the section of the Geddes Report on the Navy; whether the issue of the criticism was authorized by the Board of Admiralty; whether it should not have been in the first place submitted to the Cabinet and Parliament; and whether he will name a day for the discussion of this grave breach of official discipline?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Notice of my hon. Friend's question only reached the Prime Minister after he had come into the House, and while he was dealing with other questions, but intelligent anticipation of what might be expected has enabled me to procure an answer. The Memorandum was issued by the Admiralty in pursuance of a general decision of the Government. The Government thought it desirable that the House should have this information before them, as well as the Geddes Report itself, in order that they might have full material for a judgment. I have given instructions that the Memorandum shall be circulated as a Parliamentary Paper.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask why the remarks of the Board of Education, the War Office and other Departments concerned are not also issued for the enlightenment of this House? Will they be?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think it not improbable that other Papers will be issued in due course.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

May I ask whether the Bankruptcy Department will also issue a memorandum on the subject?

Mr. ACLAND

May I ask whether the Minister of Agriculture was correct in stating on Friday that he could not deal with the Geddes Report because it was sub judice?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am quite sure that my right hon. Friend was correct in any statement he made.