HC Deb 15 February 1926 vol 191 cc1527-8
50. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee of Imperial Defence has any permament members; and if this Committee has any executive powers?

The PRIME MINISTER

Under the terms of the original Treasury Minute of 4th May, 1904, the Committee of Imperial Defence consists of the Prime Minister with such other Members as, having regard to the nature of the subject to be discussed, he may from time to time summon to assist him. At the present time the membership is as follows:

  • The Prime Minister.
  • The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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  • The Lord President of the Council (the founder of the Committee in its present form).
  • The Lord Privy Seal (who was Chairman of the important Sub-Committee of 1923).
  • The Chancellor of the Exchequer.
  • The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and the Colonies.
  • The Secretary of State for War.
  • The Secretary of State for India.
  • The Secretary of State for Air.
  • The First Lord of the Admiralty.
  • The Chiefs of Staff of the three Fighting Services.
  • The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, as head of the Civil Service.
The Committee is a consultative and advisory body, and has no executive powers.

Mr. TREVELYAN

Can the Prime Minister vary the Committee at any moment?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think I have that power.

Mr. THURTLE

Are we to understand that there are no members on that Committee who can be considered as permanent members?

The PRIME MINISTER

I think the only permanent member, as I read that Minute, is the Prime Minister for the time being.

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Is there any constitutional foundation for the phrase, "The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury as the head of the Civil Service"? Is it not the case that the only head of the Civil Service of this country is His Majesty the King?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should like to consider that point.