HC Deb 07 March 1922 vol 151 cc1049-50
13 Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the Estimates for 1922–23 have been framed in accordance with the Cabinet instruction of 1919 on the assumption that no great war is to be anticipated within the next 10 years;

(2) whether he proposes to reduce the staff employed at Woolwich in respect of the education of cadets as recommended by the Geddes Committee;

(3) whether it is still proposed to spend next year £2,710,000 in major new works?

Sir R. SANDERS

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 28th ultimo. I then stated that it was difficult for me at present to answer in detail questions on individual recommendations made by the Geddes Committee, and that the debate on next year's Army Estimates would afford a more convenient opportunity for dealing with them.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is it not a fact that the Cabinet instruction was that the War Office when preparing their Estimates were to proceed on the assumption that there was no great war to be anticipated within the next 10 years?

Sir R. SANDERS

I am afraid that I cannot answer that question.

Captain BENN

Has the whole total of the Estimates been framed on that instruction from the Cabinet?

Sir R. SANDERS

I cannot say.

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I shall put my question down again.