§ 82. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Report of Lord Weir's Committee on Establishments contains recommendations as to economies in staff and administration, particularly in the War Office; and, in view of the great public interest taken in the question, will he consider placing the Report before the House at the earliest possible moment?
The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Sir William JoynsonHicks)I have been asked to reply to this question. The Reports of Lord Weir's Committee are at the present time under the consideration of His Majesty's Government. It is not proposed, nor in the public interest would it be desirable to publish them.
§ Sir R. HUTCHISONWould it be possible to place a copy of the Reports at the disposal of the Army Committee of the House, in confidence?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am personally very carefully considering the 595 Reports, and I think at present I would sooner not do as the hon. and gallant Member suggests.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWhen will the Government be able to make a statement as to the nature of the economies which can be effected as a result of the Reports?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIn due course.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill it be possible to make a statement before the House rises in August?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir; I do not think the intervening period, having regard to the nature of these Reports, will afford anything like sufficient time to give them that full consideration which ought to be given to them before a statement be made.