HC Deb 02 April 1928 vol 215 cc1591-2
45. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether, if he has the opportunity next year, he will give a day to discuss the Estimates for the three Fighting Services together so that the whole of the question of Imperial Defence may be discussed before going into Committee of Supply on the details of the individual Estimates?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)

I cannot at this stage make any statement in regard to the business for next year.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the Prime Minister aware that he gave a very favourable indication, or promise, on this matter some years ago during the present Parliament, and expressed himself in sympathy with the idea; and will he bear that in mind?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think it was a promise. I am still favourable to the idea, but I cannot commit myself. There are great practical difficulties in the way of doing what I should like to see done, namely, the simultaneous publication of all the Estimates and a debate thereon.