HC Deb 01 March 1938 vol 332 cc908-9
41. Mr. Lees-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the report of the Willingdon Committee will be published before his statement on the Army Estimates?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

No, Sir.

Mr. Lees-Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this Committee was appointed as a result of a discussion in this House, and in order that light might be thrown on the subject; and will he also bear in mind that unless we have a report on this subject the discussions on the forthcoming Estimates will be largely vitiated in advance?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

No, Sir, I do not think that that is the case. My right hon. predecessor announced in the summer that he was appointing a Departmental Committee to advise him, and that report has been received. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, any proposal affecting Army officers has reactions upon other Departments. We are expediting our investigations, and I shall in due course announce to the House our intentions in the matter.

Mr. Lees-Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this Committee was appointed as the result of a debate in this House, and if he denies that, I may say that two of its members were appointed as a result of my own suggestion? In these circumstances, will he bear in mind that the last Committee dealing with the education of officers did issue a report, which has been of enormous assistance, and also to the discussions in the House; and will he reconsider his determination to preclude this House from having this information?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not wish to preclude the House from having information, and I wish to act in the interests of Army officers. I have said that the report has been received, but it has certain reactions upon other Departments, which must be consulted; and if and when its proposals are published, I would naturally, in the interests of the officers, like to announce our intentions in regard to the report at the same time.

Mr. Lees-Smith

Then will the right hon. Gentleman issue the report?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I will consider that.