HC Deb 02 August 1923 vol 167 cc1719-21

Upon the recommendations of the Committee, the Government have decided as follows:

It is undesirable and impracticable to supersede the Ministerial heads of the three Fighting Services by making them subordinates of a Minister of Defence. The alternative plan for an amalgamation of the three Service Departments is equally impracticable. On the other hand, the existing system of co-ordination by the Committee of Imperial Defence is not sufficient to secure full initiative and responsibility for defence as a whole, and requires to be defined and strengthened.

Under the existing system, the Committee of Imperial Defence—an advisory and consultative body—inquiries into, and makes recommendations in regard to the issues of defence policy and organisation which are brought before it. The power of initiative lies with the Government Departments and with the Prime Minister. This system, though invaluable up to a point, does not make any authority, except the Prime Minister—who can only devote a small part of his time and attention to defence questions—directly responsible for the initiation of a consistent line of policy, directing the common action of the three, or any two of three Services.

The detailed provisions founded on these conclusions for strengthening the position of the Committee of Imperial Defence and its Chairman, and for securing the joint advice of the chiefs of the three staffs, is also contained in the Papers now being laid on the Table.

Captain BENN

Does the inclusion of an item in the Navy Estimates for the provision of aircraft mean that the Navy will have an independent source of supply, or will have independent advice as to design?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think so. But I should be very glad if detailed questions could be postponed, because the final details of this statement were circulated only last night.

Lieut.-Colonel J. WARD

Is this organisation intended only for peace, or also for war?

The PRIME MINISTER

I hope it will be adaptable to both.

Viscount CURZON

Will the Final Report to which the right hon. Gentleman has alluded be published before Parliament comes to consider the matter later on?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid I cannot answer that question to-day.

Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman reassure us on the point of the 140 officers and 1,000 men who have been retained in the Navy, that they will not be discharged before the House meets again?

The PRIME MINISTER

Everything possible will be done to secure them employment.

Sir FREDERICK BANBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman postpone the day which he has promised to give for the discussion of this Report in the Autumn until the full evidence has been before the House, so that the House may be able to make up its mind on the whole question?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know whether my right hon. Friend means will the evidence be published? I can give no pledge about that.