HC Deb 22 February 1922 vol 150 cc1904-5
Sir D. MACLEAN

I wish to ask the Leader of the House whether on the Consolidated Fund Bill, which I understand will be taken to-morrow, the opportunity will be taken by His Majesty's Government to make any statement—if it is in order—on the Geddes Committee's Reports?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that is not really a matter for the Government, but for me.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I can speak as to intention and it may make unnecessary a ruling on the point of Order. We do not propose to make a statement on the Consolidated Fund Bill this week, but I hope to be able to allot a day next week for consideration of the Geddes Reports as a whole. In that case I think my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer would probably begin the discussion by a considered statement on behalf of His Majesty's Government.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

One day would not be sufficient for a discussion on the whole of the Geddes Reports. It would require two days. [HON. MEMBERS: "Three days!"]

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot possibly allot more than one day next week. I imagine—subject to what Mr. Speaker may rule—there will be other opportunities of discussing the Geddes Report than the particular day which is allotted for the general statement on the subject.

Mr. LAMBERT

When the Chancellor of the Exchequer makes this reasoned statement, will he also announce the decision of the Government as to the course they intend to pursue with regard to the Geddes Reports?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not say that the Chancellor of the Exchequer or any Minister, in the Debate which I am contemplating next week, will go into the details of all the different Estimates. He will make a general statement on the action proposed to be taken by the Government in consequence of the Geddes Reports.

Mr. SPEAKER

On the point of Order, I think a discussion would be in order on the second Consolidated Fund Bill; that is to say, the one which includes the Vote on Account for the whole of the Services. Clearly the different Ministers' salaries are there included, but it is distinctly not in order tomorrow. The first Consolidated Fund Bill is a special emergency Bill, and only matters relevant to the exact Votes therein contained will be in order.