HC Deb 14 May 1924 vol 173 cc1321-2
20. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to tie Admiralty if the Committee set up to inquire into the treatment of retired naval officers will have power to call witnesses; how such witnesses will be selected and called, or to whom gentemen wishing to be called should apply; if travelling expenses will be granted; if the Committee will have power to examine on oath; if counsel will be permitted to be present; and when and where the Committee will sit?

Mr. AMMON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The points raised in the second and sixth parts are matters of procedure which will be left to the Committee to decide. I am, therefore, not in a position to give information on these beyond stating that it is hoped that the Committee's meetings will commence at an early date, and that if applications to appear as witnesses are addressed to the Admiralty, they will be transmitted to the Committee. As regards the fourth and fifth parts of the question, the Admiralty do not consider it necessary that the Committee should have power to examine on oath, or that counsel should be present at the meetings. Travelling expenses will be refunded in accordance with the Regulations to all witnesses who may be called upon by the Committee to give evidence.

Sir B. FALLE

Could the hon. Gentleman say where the Committee is to sit, as asked in the last part of the question?

Mr. AMMON

That is a matter that comes within the authority of the Committee.

Major HORE-BELISHA

In view of the statement of the Secretary for the Colonies, will the retired naval officers be directly represented on this Committee?

Mr. AMMON

The hon. and gallant Member evidently, did not give attention when the names were read out. There was such a name among them.

Major HORE-BELISHA

I asked that question, and the right hon. Gentleman said he did not know.