§ 47. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he is considering, or will consider, the formation of a Ministry of Defence for the purpose of the better allocation of the available money for the defence of the Empire?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to my statement in reply to the Leader of the Opposition on Thursday last, which sets forth the intentions of the Government in regard to our defence organisation. As I have already intimated, if there is a general desire for discussion of this question, arrangements can be made through the usual channels. I should, however, prefer to await the expressions of opinion during the Debates on the Service Estimates.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the Service Estimates being taken separately, it is very difficult to debate this question, and will he take that point into consideration?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, but there is no lack of ingenuity amongst hon. Members, and I think the best occasion on which we could debate this matter—and I should prefer it—would be on my own Estimates. Then we could discuss the question of the Committee of Imperial Defence.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question does not in any way concern the independence of the Air Force?