47. Captain BENNasked the Prime Minister when it is his intention to set up the Select Committee to consider the question of control of finance by the House of Commons; what will be the terms of reference to the Committee; and whether any time limit will be set to their deliberations?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe appointment of a Select Committee of this character was suggested to the House by me recently. I have not carried the matter any further up to tlw present.
Captain BENNWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman intend to take to restore the control of this House over finance? Will he set up the Estimates Committee, or some new arrangement, or what will be done?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon and gallant Friend appears to be unaware of what has been passing in the House. I have already stated that I shall set up the Estimates Committee at once. The notice is not actually on the Paper, but we have been working for that for some days past. As regards the suggestion as to a different kind of Select Committee which I made to the House, the hon. and gallant Gentleman appears to be equally unaware that his Leader immediately stated that it was a mere measure of obstruction.
Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion amount to this, that he is going to set up again a powerless and ineffective Committee which he himself has condemned?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member is now giving his own opinions.