§ 23. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how long the Admiralty intends to retain and pay 140 officers and 1,000 men in anticipation of some decision of the Government to set up a naval branch of the Air Service?
§ Mr. AMERYI hope that a decision will shortly be announced on the issue referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Captain BENNCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any precedent for a public office continuing to employ people without any decision of Parliament, and paying them, in anticipation of something which they hope is going to be done?
§ Mr. AMERYThe personnel referred to were kept on with the sanction of the Treasury, and whilst pending a decision.
§ Captain BENNDoes the right hon. Gentleman set up the principle that the Cabinet is to decide how public money is to be expended, or is it this House?
§ Viscount CURZONWas not this question fully debated and answered by the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Amery) in the course of discussion in this House?