§ Wing-Commander JAMES(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the impossibility of adequately discussing the Estimates of three defence Services under the present system of separate votes, and in view of the manner in which the day that the Government had set apart yesterday for a general debate upon the Estimates became diverted into other channels, he will consider taking the Army and Air Votes upon the same day, and allotting the day thus saved for a debate upon the defence Services as a whole?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not practicable. An opportunity was given yesterday for a debate upon defence as a whole, and, as my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, there will be other occasions during the session when the subject of defence can be debated.
§ Wing-Commander JAMESIn view of the representations that have been made from all parts of the House that this system should be changed, will the Government give this matter their earnest consideration before another year?
§ Sir EDWARD GRIGGWill the right hon. Gentleman make some representations to the Committee which is dealing with the allotment of time for the Government of India Bill, in order to find out if it will be possible to take one of the Committee days of that Bill in order to deal with this important question of Imperial defence?