§ 24. Brigadier-General SPEARSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Lord Weir's Committee on Establishments has made any recommendations as to economies to be effected with regard to the Corps of Military Accountants; and whether the Committee recommends the retention of that body in its present form?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Gwynne)The hon. and gallant Member was informed on the 5th instant, in reply to a question, that it is not proposed to publish the Report referred to. In these circumstances, I am afraid I cannot answer questions as to specific recommendations which may be conjectured to be included in the Report.
§ Brigadier-General SPEARSCan the hon. Gentleman give the reasons why the Government are withholding this Report?
§ Mr. GWYNNEBecause the Report was made with a view to its not being published. It is quite usual for a Cabinet to appoint Committees to report to them.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it suggested that this will reveal important military secrets?
§ Mr. GWYNNECertainly, I think it would.
§ Sir R. HUTCHISONAre we to understand that this Committee has recommended substantial economies to which the Government are not proposing to give effect?
§ Mr. GWYNNENo. I did not give any information about that.
§ Mr. PRINGLEShall we have a statement from the Government as to the economies that will be effected?
§ Mr. LAWSONWill the House have an opportunity of discussing any such economies before they are put into operation?
§ Mr. GWYNNEThat must depend on what the economies are. If they are important economies, the House will, no doubt, have an opportunity of discussing them on the Estimates.