HC Deb 10 July 1923 vol 166 cc1153-4
24. Brigadier-General SPEARS

asked 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 SPEARS

Can the hon. Gentleman give the reasons why the Government are withholding this Report?

Mr. GWYNNE

Because 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. HARRIS

Is it suggested that this will reveal important military secrets?

Mr. GWYNNE

Certainly, I think it would.

Sir R. HUTCHISON

Are we to understand that this Committee has recommended substantial economies to which the Government are not proposing to give effect?

Mr. GWYNNE

No. I did not give any information about that.

Mr. PRINGLE

Shall we have a statement from the Government as to the economies that will be effected?

Mr. LAWSON

Will the House have an opportunity of discussing any such economies before they are put into operation?

Mr. GWYNNE

That 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.