HC Deb 14 March 1935 vol 299 cc554-5
45. Mr. A. BEVAN

asked the Prime Minister who are the present members of the Committee of Imperial Defence; and how often do it and its sub-committees meet?

The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)

Constitutionally the Committee of Imperial Defence consists of the Prime Minister and such persons as he chooses to ask to assist in the committee's deliberations. At the present time, in accordance with the Prime Minister's instructions, the following are associated with the work of the main committee:

The Lord President of the Council,

The Chancellor of the Exchequer,

The Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs, Dominion Affairs, Colonies, India, War and Air,

The First Lord of the Admiralty,

The Chiefs of Staff of the three Defence Services, and the

Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, as head of the Civil Service.

A considerable number of Ministers, officials and experts outside the Government are also associated with sub-committees. Meetings of the committee and sub-committees are held as and when required. Between March last year and March this year, 237 meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence and its sub-committees were held.

Mr. BEVAN

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the detailed reply, may I ask if he will tell the House whether there are representatives of the Dominion Governments on the Committee?

Mr. BALDWIN

They are not infrequently asked to attend. If there is anything which affects the Empire as a whole, they are always asked to attend.

Mr. BEVAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether representatives of the Dominion Governments were taken into consultation before the White Paper on Imperial Defence was issued?

Mr. BALDWIN

: I should like notice of that question.

Mr. BERNAYS

Can my right hon. Friend say if the Leaders of the Opposition are now ever invited to attend meetings of the Committee of Imperial Defence, as I understand was done in the days before the War?

Mr. BALDWIN

I should like notice of that question. Speaking from memory, I would say that it has been done; I am certain that I have attended when I have been in opposition. The hon. Member had better put a definite question on the Paper in regard to it.

Mr. BERNAYS

Would not such a practice produce a greater sense of realism about armaments in the speeches of members of the Opposition?